Nigerian Army Arrests Suspected Gunrunner, Neutralizes Two Terrorists in Plateau State

The Nigerian Army has conducted successful operations in Plateau State, arresting a suspected gunrunner and neutralizing two terrorists. The operations, carried out by troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) Special Tactical Team, targeted terrorist hideouts and supply chains across Mangu, Kanam, and Wase Local Government Areas. The suspected gunrunner, Adamu Adamu, popularly known as Jauro, was apprehended at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.

During the operation that led to Jauro's arrest, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Jauro is currently in custody alongside the recovered items for further investigation. In a separate operation on November 8, 2026, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade launched an offensive against suspected terrorist hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, covering parts of Kanam and Wase local government areas.

The soldiers cleared several camps and destroyed structures used by the terrorists to sustain their operations. During the operation, troops engaged the armed groups with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat. Bloodstains discovered along their escape routes suggested that some of the fleeing terrorists might have sustained injuries. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, four mobile phones, two radios, and four motorcycles.

Additional items recovered during the operation included two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), camouflage uniforms, and other logistics materials. The Army also disclosed that troops later engaged the terrorists near Kukawa Village, killing two of them and recovering additional motorcycles. The military said the operations formed part of its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their supply chains, and prevent armed groups from using remote locations as hideouts.

The operations were conducted to improve safety and restore peace across Plateau State. The Army added that troops would continue offensive operations while working with local communities and other security agencies. The recovery of firearms, ammunition, and logistics materials is expected to significantly disrupt terrorist activities in the region.

According to Raphael Abah (Junior), a report by Idoma Voice Newspaper, the operations demonstrate the military's commitment to tackling insecurity in Plateau State. The report also noted that the military is working closely with local communities to ensure that peace is restored in the area.

The Nigerian Army's efforts to enhance security in Plateau State are ongoing, with troops working to prevent armed groups from using remote locations as hideouts. The military remains committed to its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt terrorist supply chains.

Key points

• The Nigerian Army arrested a suspected gunrunner and neutralized two terrorists in separate operations across Plateau State.
• Troops recovered significant amounts of firearms, ammunition, and logistics materials during the operations.
• The operations aim to improve safety and restore peace across Plateau State.