Troops neutralise three terrorists, arrest arson suspects in Plateau

Troops of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have neutralised three suspected terrorists and arrested two individuals linked to arson attacks in Plateau State.

The task force’s Media Information Officer, Capt. Chinonso Oteh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in troubled areas of the state.

According to him, troops responding to a distress call over sporadic gunfire in Dutse Uku, Jos North Local Government Area, intercepted and arrested two suspects allegedly masquerading as security operatives while setting residential buildings ablaze.

“The suspects, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and orchestrating violence within the community,” Oteh said.

He added that the suspects are currently in custody, while two persons who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

In a separate operation in Karem, Wase Local Government Area, troops disrupted the movement of suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles, leading to an exchange of fire.

Oteh said three of the insurgents were neutralised, while others fled under sustained military pressure. He attributed the success to the recent deployment of additional counter-terrorism troops to the state.

The military said the latest operations have strengthened security presence in volatile areas, warning that criminal elements operating in the state would be decisively dealt with.