Army troops foil bandits’ attack, neutralise five in Plateau

Army troops foil bandits’ attack, neutralise five in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled an attempted attack on communities in Plateau State, neutralising five bandits and recovering arms and ammunition.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday as part of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, according to military sources.

The sources said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis in Wase Local Government Area, where bandits were mobilising to attack adjoining communities.

“During the firefight that ensued, troops neutralised five bandits, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two machetes and one knife.

The military said troops were currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits to prevent regrouping and further attacks in the area.

The operation, it added, was part of sustained efforts by troops of 3 Division and JTF OPEP to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of residents across the Joint Operations Area in Plateau State

Army troops foil bandits’ attack, neutralise five in Plateau