Troops neutralise kidnappers, recover weapons in Plateau

Troops of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in Plateau State.

The raid targeted a criminal hideout in Lantom village, Kadarko District, Wase Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on their activities.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that four suspected criminals were arrested during the operation on January 6, with recovered items including a locally fabricated rifle, an axe, and a machete.

Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were involved in multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Kadarko District and surrounding areas.

Two other gang members reportedly escaped during the initial raid, taking an AK-47 rifle with them. Interrogation of the arrested suspects led troops to an additional arms and ammunition cache on the outskirts of Kadarko.

However, the suspects allegedly attempted to disarm a soldier while guiding the troops, prompting the military to neutralise them on the spot.

All recovered weapons and items are now in military custody.

The Army said follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members and retrieve the remaining weapons.