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The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops foiled an attempted attack on communities in Plateau State, killing five suspected bandits and recovering arms and ammunition.
In a statement signed on Saturday by Joshua John, the army said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 1, 2026, by troops of 3 Division under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, during an intelligence-led ambush in the Wase Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, the troops intercepted bandits who had mobilised from Dutsen Zaki towards the Odare Forest with the intention of attacking nearby communities.
“During an intelligence-led ambush operation in the early hours of 1 January 2026, troops made contact with bandits who had mobilised from Dutsen Zaki towards Odare Forest in Wase LGA of Plateau State with the intention of attacking adjoining communities in the area,” the statement said.
“During the firefight, troops neutralised 5 bandits while others fled.”
The army said items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifle magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes and a knife.
It added that troops were currently pursuing the fleeing bandits.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, EF Oyinlola, assured residents of Plateau State and other areas within the task force’s area of responsibility of the military’s continued efforts to protect lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The army warned criminal elements operating within the joint operations area to desist from criminal activities, stressing that troops remain alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat to peace and stability in Plateau State.
