The Nigerian Army under 3 Division, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) has raided a criminal hideout in Plateau State, arresting four suspected kidnappers, while two others escaped with an AK-47 rifle.
The operation took place on Tuesday near Lantom Village, in Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Captain Joshua Atu John, Acting Military Information Officer of JTF-OPEP.
During the initial raid, soldiers recovered a locally fabricated rifle, an axe, and a machete, believed to have been used in recent kidnapping and armed robbery operations within the area.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspects were actively involved in criminal activities across Kadarko District. However, two accomplices fled the scene, making away with an AK-47 rifle.
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The arrested suspects later volunteered information about the location of a hidden arms cache and agreed to guide soldiers to recover the weapons.
“While leading troops to the suspected arms hideout on the outskirts of Kadarko, the suspects attempted to disarm one of the soldiers in a desperate bid to escape,” the statement said.
“Troops decisively neutralised the suspects during the attempt.”
Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing gang members and recover the missing AK-47 rifle.
Commending the troops, Major General EF Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander JTF-OPEP, praised their professionalism and bravery.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area and stressed the importance of timely intelligence from law-abiding citizens in sustaining peace.
