SOLDIERS ELIMINATE BANDIT, RECOVER WEAPONS IN PLATEAU AMBUSH

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Personnel from the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace successfully engaged a bandit during a strategic ambush in Odare Forest, located in Dutsen Zaki, within the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The spokesperson for the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, stated in a release on Wednesday that the intelligence-driven operation transpired on September 16.

Zhakom detailed that the troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles who were advancing toward the forest, resulting in the neutralization of one individual while the others fled with gunshot injuries.

He reported that the troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile devices, a machete, and charms that were left behind by the fleeing bandits.

Furthermore, Zhakom indicated that in a separate operation on September 15, soldiers conducted an offensive against bandits at strategic crossing points around the villages of Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa in Wase and Kanam LGAs. The troops reportedly overcame the bandits with superior firepower, compelling them to retreat.

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He stated, “In pursuit of efforts to restrict the operational freedom of bandits in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) executed an intelligence-based ambush operation targeting bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on September 16, 2025.

“On this date, troops in Plateau State engaged with bandits utilizing motorcycles as they approached Odare Forest, successfully neutralizing one bandit, while others escaped with significant gunshot injuries into the dense forest.

The troops conducted a thorough search of the area, recovering one motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and abandoned charms. The seized items are presently secured for further investigation.

“In another operational development, a notable success was achieved following credible intelligence regarding bandit activities around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa Villages situated in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State. Notably, on September 15, 2025, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE executed offensive operations at a recognized bandit crossing point within the vicinity. ”

The items recovered included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

He emphasized that these recent operations are part of the military’s commitment to restricting the actions of criminal elements and ensuring their accountability.

“During the operation, troops encountered and effectively addressed elements of banditry through superior firepower and professionalism, resulting in the disarray and retreat of the bandits.

“Consequently, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, recovering one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. The recovered weapon and ammunition are secured while troops continue to ensure that bandits and criminal elements are fully neutralized and denied any operational freedom.

“The ongoing offensive actions and engagements targeting criminal elements, particularly bandits in the JOA, are integral to the resolve and mandate of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE to continuously neutralize armed criminals and ensure that perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.

Remember that on Saturday, personnel from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, engaged in Operation ACCORD III and in partnership with various Hybrid Forces, eliminated a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who served as the deputy to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a gang active in the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest regions of Kogi State.

In a related development, the Nigerian Army also killed the infamous bandit leader Kachalla Balla along with five of his associates in Kogi State.