Troops foil weapons smuggling in Plateau, kill bandits
Jos Afrik24 – Troops operating under Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have thwarted an illegal arms transportation network in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State as well as also neutralized a suspected terrorist and confiscating a stash of weapons hidden inside a modified passenger vehicle.
The operation took place around 9:50 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when Sector 2 troops deployed to Zak village in Wase intercepted a green Volkswagen Golf bearing registration number DKA-808XM during routine stop-and-search procedures, a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Task Force Capt. Chinonso Oteh said.
According to Oteh, the operation was part of an intelligence-driven strategy designed to restrict the movement of criminal elements throughout the sector.
“During the search, soldiers uncovered a custom-fabricated compartment concealed behind the vehicle’s dashboard.
“The situation escalated when the vehicle’s driver refused commands to open the hidden compartment and fled into the surrounding bush, prompting troops to pursue and apprehend the suspect, who then attempted to disarm one of the soldiers before being shot and killed”, Oteh informed.
He said a detailed inspection of the impounded vehicle revealed two AK-47 rifles, two wooden rifle butts, a magazine, nine magazine pouches, six jungle hats, two hydration packs, a mobile phone, and a banking card.
Reacting, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj.Gen. Maxwell Dangana, commended the personnel for their vigilance and instructs troops to maintain an aggressive stance against bandits in the community.
