Photos: Army Troops Repel Bandits’ Attack, Kill Five in Plateau

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, working with the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have stopped an attempted attack on communities in Plateau State, killing five suspected bandits and recovering weapons.

Military sources said the operation took place in the early hours of Thursday under Operation Peace Shield.

According to the sources, the troops acted on credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were assembling to attack nearby communities. An ambush was laid along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis in Wase Local Government Area.

A firefight followed when the suspects ran into the troops. Five bandits were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two machetes, and a knife.

The military said troops are pursuing the fleeing suspects to prevent them from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by 3 Division and JTF OPEP to restrict the activities of armed groups and improve security across the Joint Operations Area in Plateau State.