A bandit has been killed by troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, spokesman for the task force, stated on Wednesday that the intelligence-driven operation occurred on September 16.
Zhakom stated that the troops encountered bandits on motorcycles entering the forest, resulting in one bandit being killed while the others escaped with gunshot wounds.
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He added that the troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms left behind by the fleeing bandits.
Zhakom further stated that on September 15, soldiers carried out an operation targeting bandits at crossing points near Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs.
The troops allegedly overpowered the bandits with overwhelming firepower, driving them to escape.
He said, “In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) staged an intelligence-based ambush operation against bandits along routes leading to Odare Forest at Dutsen Zaki in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State on 16 September 2025.
“On 16th September, troops in Plateau state made contact with bandits mounted on motorcycles heading towards Odare Forest and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled with severe gunshot wounds through the thick forest. Troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, one machete, and charms abandoned by the bandits. The recovered items are in custody for further action.
“In another operational development, success was recorded following credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Garga, Showaka, Yuli and Kukawa Villages in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State. Notably, on 15 September 2025, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE conducted offensive operations at a notable bandit crossing point in the general area.”
Recovered items reportedly included a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
He noted that the recent operations are part of the military’s ongoing effort to restrict the movements of criminal elements and ensure they face justice.
“During the operation, troops came in contact and dealt decisively with elements of bandits through superior firepower and professionalism, leading to the bandits fleeing in disarray.
“Consequently, troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO). The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody while troops ensured that the bandits and criminal elements are completely neutralised and denied any freedom of operation.
“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, is part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralise armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.
