by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State troops of Joint Task Force, ‘Operation ENDURING PEACE,’ in its bid to restore the desired peace has achieved remarkable success in the late hours of Thursday during a targeted operation at Dutse Uku, in Jos North Local Government Area.
At about 11:45 pm, vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended two individuals masquerading as ‘security operatives.’
A statement credited to the event was signed and issued to newsmen in Jos by Captain Chinonso POLYCARP OTEH, who is Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE.
According to the statement, “These impostors, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence within the community.
“Those arrested are currently are in custody, while 2 persons who sustained gunshot wounds were moved by troops to a medical facility for attention, and they are in a stable condition.
“This pivotal arrest serves as a direct rebuttal to recent allegations suggesting military complicity in the Jos North unrest, effectively proving that the atrocities previously attributed to official personnel are being committed by criminal elements using deceptive attire to sow discord and defame the Armed Forces.
“The momentum of this success extended into Karem, in Wase Local Government Area, where high-alert troops successfully disrupted a large-scale movement of terrorists traveling via motorcycles.
“Upon being engaged by the military, the insurgents fled under the pressure of sustained combat. In the engagement, three of the terrorists were successfully neutralized.
“This surge in operational efficiency follows the strategic deployment of a battalion plus specialized counter-terrorism troops, an initiative ordered by the Chief of Army Staff on Thursday morning.
“The immediate impact of these additional boots on the ground has acted as a decisive game-changer, bolstering the State’s security architecture and restoring proactive control over volatile zones.
“In the light of these developments, all hoodlums, insurgents, and criminal syndicates currently operating within the State will be ruthlessly dealt with, as the military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate all threats to public peace.
“The general public is advised to maintain a high level of situational awareness and support the ongoing efforts by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest authorities.
“Through continued cooperation and the current strategic offensive, the military remains committed to ensuring the permanent restoration of safety and order for all citizens.”
In the same vein, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE last week Friday stepped-up its operations to include a comprehensive “stop-and-search” exercise across the Jos metropolis, in order to prevent further escalation of the ongoing crisis in Jos North Local Government and other areas in the State.
This strategic intervention is part of a broader mandate to restore absolute normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property within the State. This was also contained in a statement in Jos by Captain Chinonso POLYCARP OTEH, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE.
The statement added that, “Heightened security presence yielded immediate results, as troops successfully intercepted and arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle along with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one pump action with a cutlass.
“The arrest and recoveries were made during targeted operations conducted across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, along Dadinkowa, the Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-cost Housing Estate.
“In a similar development, the troops also responded swiftly to a distress call regarding sporadic shooting in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam.
“Upon arrival of the troops, the unidentified gunmen were forced to retreat into the surrounding bushes under superior tactical pressure.”
According to the statement, during a subsequent sweep of the immediate vicinity, troops discovered two local residents who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
“The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining a dominant security presence throughout Plateau State.
“The operations will continue with increased vigour until the threat of violence is completely neutralized and lasting peace is firmly re-established across all affected communities.”