Army kills two gunmen in Plateau, recovers weapons

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have killed two armed men during a coordinated ambush in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following what the military described as credible intelligence on criminal movement in the area.

In a statement released on Wednesday signed by the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operation was carried out at about 7:49 pm on Tuesday near Doruwa Babuje in the Marit general area.

The statement said the troops acted after intelligence indicated the movement of armed gunmen allegedly responsible for attacks on local communities.

“Upon sighting the criminals, troops sprang a successful ambush on the marauders,” the statement said, adding that “in the ensuing firefight, two armed gunmen were neutralised, while several others fled into the surrounding bushes under the cover of darkness.”

Following the encounter, the military said a search of the area led to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife, and a mobile phone.

According to the statement, troops have continued to maintain a presence in the Marit and Lajam axis to prevent further attacks and track fleeing suspects.

It added that “Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to its mandate of protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens,” urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The operation comes amid ongoing military efforts to curb violent attacks, armed robbery, and other criminal activities in parts of Plateau State.