By DAYO ADESULU
Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Enduring Peace have recorded another major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crime, following a series of coordinated operations across Kaduna and Plateau States that led to the neutralisation of several kidnappers, the rescue of abducted victims, and the foiling of planned attacks.
The operations, conducted between 11 and 13 December 2025 under the broader Operation Peace Shield, underscore the military’s renewed push to dismantle criminal networks terrorising rural communities and major corridors in the North-Central and North-West regions.
Security sources confirmed that the successful missions were driven by actionable intelligence, rapid troop deployment, and sustained pressure on criminal hideouts across multiple local government areas.
Clearance Operations in Kaduna Lead to Death of Notorious Kidnappers
On 11 December 2025, troops attached to Sector 5, Sub-Sector 4, launched a deliberate clearance operation targeting suspected kidnappers’ enclaves in Dangoma and Godogodo villages, located in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation followed persistent complaints from residents over repeated kidnapping incidents and armed threats in the area. Upon reaching the identified hideouts, troops came under fire from the criminals, leading to a fierce exchange.
During the engagement, three notorious kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds. Military sources disclosed that follow-up operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and dismantle the fleeing elements.
Residents of the affected communities reportedly expressed relief after the operation, describing it as a major step toward restoring normalcy after months of fear and disruption.
Plateau Operation Takes Down Notorious Gunrunner
In a related development, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 1, recorded another success on 12 December 2025 during a covert operation in Plateau State.
The operation targeted a notorious bandit, kidnapper, and gunrunner linked to multiple cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent crimes across Bassa and Jos North Local Government Areas.
The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA. According to military accounts, the criminal attempted to resist arrest by opening fire on the troops. However, he was swiftly overpowered and neutralised.
Items recovered from the suspect included one pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dagger, a mobile phone, and a large sum of money, all of which are now in military custody for further investigation.
Security analysts note that the removal of such high-value targets significantly weakens criminal supply chains and disrupts the flow of arms used in kidnappings across the region.
Troops Foil Planned Attack in Southern Kaduna
Meanwhile, on 13 December 2025, troops swiftly responded to intelligence reports of an impending attack in Gidan-Saki Village, located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The prompt response by troops forced the criminals to abandon their plans and retreat into surrounding bushes without engaging civilians. Military authorities confirmed that surveillance and pursuit operations are ongoing to ensure the suspects are apprehended before regrouping.
Local leaders in the area praised the rapid intervention, noting that early intelligence and quick response helped avert what could have resulted in casualties and property destruction.
Ambush Operation Leads to Rescue of Four Kidnap Victims
On the same day, troops deployed at Jengre in Plateau State executed a well-coordinated ambush following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA.
Troops tactically positioned themselves along the kidnappers’ withdrawal route. Upon contact, a gunfight ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee.
During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralised, while all four abducted victims were rescued alive. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and reunited with their families, marking a significant morale boost for the affected community.
Military Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety
The Joint Task Force emphasized that Operation Enduring Peace troops neutralise kidnappers not as isolated incidents, but as part of a sustained campaign to deny criminal groups freedom of action across the joint operations area.
According to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, troops remain committed to maintaining pressure on criminal elements while ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Security observers say the string of successful operations highlights improved intelligence-sharing, inter-sector coordination, and a growing resolve to confront criminality head-on.
As operations continue, residents across Kaduna and Plateau States are hopeful that sustained military presence and proactive engagements will gradually restore peace, reopen farmlands, and rebuild public confidence in affected communities.
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