Security forces in Plateau State say they have recorded a fresh breakthrough after troops of Joint Task Force – Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) reportedly killed three suspected terrorists and arrested two men accused of posing as security personnel in separate operations across the state.
The development comes at a time when Plateau is already battling renewed fear, tension, and public anger over recent attacks in Jos and other parts of the state.
According to the military, the first operation happened in Karem community, Wase Local Government Area, where troops acted on intelligence suggesting that a group of suspected terrorists was moving through the area on motorcycles. Acting quickly, soldiers reportedly moved in and engaged them.
The military said the suspects tried to flee once they came under pressure, but troops opened fire during the confrontation and three of them were neutralised. In military language, “neutralised” simply means they were killed during the operation.
Officials described the success as part of a wider push to tighten security in Plateau following recent killings and rising fears of fresh attacks. The operation, according to the military, was boosted by the recent deployment of additional troops and specialised counter-terrorism personnel reportedly approved by the Chief of Army Staff.
But perhaps even more sensitive was the second part of the announcement.
The task force said troops on Thursday arrested two suspects in Jos North, specifically in Dutse Uku community, over their alleged role in the recent unrest there. What has made this particular arrest stand out is the claim that the men were wearing tactical black uniforms and impersonating security operatives while allegedly taking part in violence and the burning of homes.
That revelation is important because, in the aftermath of attacks and unrest, there are often public accusations and rumours blaming security agencies either for direct involvement or for failing to act. The military now appears to be pushing back strongly against such claims by saying some of the violent actors may actually be criminals disguising themselves in uniform to cause confusion and damage the reputation of the armed forces.
In other words, the army is not just reporting arrests here — it is also trying to reclaim public trust.
According to the statement, the two arrested suspects are now in custody, while two persons who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident are receiving treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
This latest update adds another layer to Plateau’s troubling security reality. The state is not only dealing with armed attacks and communal tension, but also with a more dangerous problem: the blurring of who is who during violence. Once attackers begin to wear uniforms or imitate law enforcement style, panic spreads faster and trust breaks down more easily.
That is exactly why this arrest matters beyond just the numbers. It suggests that some of the chaos seen in recent incidents may not only be the work of armed criminals, but of people intentionally trying to create confusion, exploit fear, and turn communities against the very institutions meant to protect them.
For many residents, however, one successful operation or a few arrests will not be enough. What people want now is simple: consistent security, visible results, and a real end to the killings.