Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace have successfully raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Plateau State, killing suspects and recovering weapons in a swift operation based on credible intelligence.
The raid, conducted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, targeted a location near Lantom Village in Kadarko District, Wase Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and armed robbery in the region.
In a statement, Acting Military Information Officer Captain Joshua Atu John confirmed that four suspects were initially arrested, and weapons including a fabricated rifle, an axe, and a machete were recovered. He said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to several recent crimes in the district, while two accomplices escaped with an AK-47 rifle.
“During the operation, the arrested suspects cooperated by revealing the location of a hidden cache of arms and ammunition on the outskirts of Kadarko,” Captain John said. “However, in a desperate attempt to flee, the suspects tried to seize a soldier’s weapon and were decisively neutralised.”
Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members and recover the missing rifle.
Commenting on the raid, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major General EF Oyinlola, praised the troops for their professionalism and resilience.
“I commend our troops for their gallantry and unwavering commitment to sustaining peace within the Joint Operations Area,” Major General Oyinlola said. “We remain resolute in our lawful mandate to safeguard lives and property.”
He urged residents to continue supporting security efforts, emphasizing that local intelligence is vital to the success of ongoing operations.
“The cooperation of law-abiding citizens is indispensable to the effectiveness of these operations,” he added.
