Nigerian Army troops on patrol
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified security operations across Jos metropolis in a proactive effort to prevent further escalation of tensions in Plateau State, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of weapons.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the operation followed a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise carried out across strategic locations within Jos on Friday.
According to the statement, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents amid the ongoing crisis in Jos North Local Government Area.
“In a proactive move to prevent further escalation of the ongoing crisis in Jos North, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE initiated a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise across the Jos metropolis on Friday. This strategic intervention is part of a broader mandate to restore absolute normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property within the State,” the statement read.
The security operation, according to the task force, yielded immediate results as troops intercepted two suspects and recovered weapons during targeted patrols across flashpoints and transit routes.
“The 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,” Oteh stated.
He added that the arrests and recoveries were made during coordinated operations in Jos North and Jos South, covering areas such as Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate.
In a related development, troops also responded to reports of sporadic gunfire at Yelwa Cattle Market in Shendam Local Government Area.
“In a simultaneous development, 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,” the statement added.
During a follow-up sweep of the area, security personnel discovered two residents who had sustained gunshot injuries. The victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention.
“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,” Oteh said.
The Joint Task Force assured residents of its continued presence and commitment to restoring peace across Plateau State.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Operation Enduring Peace was launched to address recurring security challenges in Plateau State, particularly in flashpoint communities within Jos and surrounding areas. The latest operation underscores renewed efforts by security agencies to contain violence and restore stability across the state.
