Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised two suspected armed gunmen during an ambush operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday near Doruwa Babuje in the Marit general area, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminals believed to be responsible for a series of attacks in surrounding communities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.
According to the statement, troops launched the operation at about 7:49 p.m. after receiving reports linking the gunmen to incidents including armed robbery and sexual assault.
“Upon sighting the criminals, troops sprang a successful ambush on the marauders. In the ensuing firefight, two armed gunmen were neutralised, while several others fled into the surrounding bushes under the cover of darkness,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the scene include a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife and a mobile phone.
The task force said troops have remained deployed in Marit and Lajam villages to maintain security and reassure residents, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
