Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have recorded significant successes against criminal elements in Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralising kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims and preventing planned attacks between December 11 and 13, 2025.
The operations were carried out under the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and armed criminal groups threatening communities across the joint operations area.
On December 11, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) launched an offensive clearance operation on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages of Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The operation followed repeated cases of abduction in the area. During a gun battle, three notorious kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang fled with gunshot wounds. Troops have since intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, on December 12, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) carried out a covert operation targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner linked to several crimes in Bassa and Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA. He reportedly opened fire on sighting the troops but was swiftly neutralised. Items recovered included a pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dagger, a mobile phone and a large sum of money.
On December 13, troops responded swiftly to intelligence indicating a planned attack on Gidan-Saki Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The prompt action forced the criminals to abandon the plot and flee into nearby bushes, with troops deploying additional resources to track and apprehend them.
In another operation the same day, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre, Plateau State, carried out an ambush following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi Village in Jere District, Bassa LGA. The troops engaged the kidnappers along their escape route, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee. One kidnapper was neutralised, while all four abducted persons were rescued alive.
Recovered items from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across Kaduna, Plateau and other areas under its responsibility.
