Troops foil bandit attack, kill 5 in Plateau

The troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army, under Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned bandit attack on communities in Plateau State, neutralising five bandits during an intelligence-led operation.

The army stated that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday as part of Operation Peace Shield in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The army said the troops laid an ambush along the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis after receiving credible intelligence that bandits were mobilising to attack adjoining communities.

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“During the encounter, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, neutralising five bandits, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” it stated.

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

The troops were said to be exploiting the area and pursuing the fleeing bandits to prevent regrouping and further threats to residents.

The Star