Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have killed a bandit during an ambush in Odare Forest, Dutsen Zaki, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Spokesman for the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the intelligence-led operation took place on September 16.
Zhakom explained that troops intercepted bandits on motorcycles heading into the forest, killing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to him, troops recovered a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
Zhakom added that in another operation on September 15, soldiers launched an offensive against bandits at crossing points around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs. The troops reportedly overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.
He noted that the recent onslaughts form part of the military’s resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and bring them to justice.
“During the operation, troops came in contact and dealt decisively with elements of bandits through superior firepower and professionalism, leading to the bandits fleeing in disarray.
“Consequently, troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO). The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody while troops ensured that the bandits and criminal elements are completely neutralised and denied any freedom of operation.
“The recent onslaughts and bombardment of criminal elements, especially bandits in the JOA, is part of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE’s resolve and mandate to troops to continually neutralise armed criminals and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice,” the statement said.
Recall that on Saturday, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation ACCORD III, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces, killed a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.
Similarly, the Nigerian Army killed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Balla and five of his men in Kogi State.
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