Troops Arrest Impostors, Neutralise Suspected Terrorists in Plateau Operations

Troops Arrest Impostors, Neutralise Suspected Terrorists in Plateau Operations

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have recorded fresh operational gains in Plateau State, arresting suspected impostors in Jos North and neutralising armed elements in Wase Local Government Area.

The development followed intensified counter-terrorism deployments ordered to restore calm in volatile communities across the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the troops responded to a distress call late Thursday night over sporadic gunfire in Dutse Uku, Jos North.

“At approximately 11:45 p.m., vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting intercepted and apprehended two individuals masquerading as security operatives,” the statement said.

The suspects, according to the military, were dressed in tactical black uniforms and were allegedly involved in setting residential buildings ablaze and instigating violence within the community.

“They were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence,” Oteh stated, adding that the suspects are currently in custody.

The operation also led to the rescue of two persons who sustained gunshot wounds. They were evacuated to a medical facility and are said to be in stable condition.

The task force noted that the arrest of the suspects counters claims in some quarters suggesting the involvement of security personnel in the unrest in Jos North.

“This pivotal arrest serves as a direct rebuttal to recent allegations suggesting military complicity… proving that criminal elements are using deceptive attire to sow discord and defame the Armed Forces,” the statement added.

In a related operation in Karem area of Wase Local Government Area, troops reportedly engaged a group of suspected terrorists attempting to move through the area on motorcycles.

“High-alert troops successfully disrupted a large-scale movement of terrorists… and upon engagement, the insurgents fled under sustained combat pressure,” Oteh said.

He disclosed that three of the suspects were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped.

The military attributed the recent successes to the deployment of additional troops, including specialised counter-terrorism units, as directed by the Chief of Army Staff.

“The immediate impact of these additional boots on the ground has acted as a decisive game-changer, bolstering the state’s security architecture,” the statement said.

The task force warned that criminal elements operating in the state would be decisively dealt with, reiterating its resolve to eliminate threats to public safety.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious movements to relevant authorities.