Troops kill 3 bandits, arrest 2 fake security operatives in Plateau

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), on Thursday said they have killed three suspected bandits and arrested two fake security operatives in separate operations in the Plateau state. In a statement in Jos, the spokesperson of the operation, Captain Polycarb Oteh, said the suspected bandits were killed around Karem, a […]

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), on Thursday said they have killed three suspected bandits and arrested two fake security operatives in separate operations in the Plateau state.

In a statement in Jos, the spokesperson of the operation, Captain Polycarb Oteh, said the suspected bandits were killed around Karem, a community of Wase LGA, while the suspected fake security operatives were arrested around Dutse Uku area of Jos North LGA of the state.

Captain Oteh said, “At approximately 11:45 pm, vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended 2 individuals masquerading as security operatives.

“These impostors, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence within the Community.

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“Those arrested are currently in custody, while 2 persons who sustained gunshot wounds were moved by troops to a medical facility for attention,” he said.

He added, “The momentum of this success extended into Karem in Wase Local Government Area, where high-alert troops successfully disrupted a large-scale movement of terrorists traveling via motorcycles.

“Upon being engaged by the military, the insurgents fled under the pressure of sustained combat.

“In the engagement, 3 of the terrorists were successfully neutralized. This surge in operational efficiency follows the strategic deployment of a battalion plus specialized counter-terrorism troops, an initiative ordered by the Chief of Army Staff on Thursday morning.”

He noted, however, that criminal elements have been using deceptive attire to perpetrate atrocities and tarnish the image of the Armed Forces, vowing that the operation would not condone such acts in the state.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.