In a dramatic turn of events during a coordinated security crackdown in Plateau State, three suspected terrorists who attempted to flee custody were shot dead by their own accomplices.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 5 April 2026, as troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, conducted a series of clearance operations across multiple local government areas.
According to a statement released on Monday by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the chaotic episode unfolded in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence about suspicious movements of armed individuals, troops stationed in the district mobilized rapidly at approximately 7:45 am. Their swift action led to the successful interception and apprehension of four suspected terrorists. A search of the suspects yielded 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Encouraged by the arrest, the troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout. However, as they maneuvered toward the target location, the unit came under heavy fire from associates of the detained terrorists.
In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape. But before soldiers could react, the fleeing men were caught in a hail of bullets—fired by their own comrades from the hideout.
“Amidst the ensuing chaos, 3 of the 4 apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralized by the adversary’s own gunfire,” Captain Oteh confirmed in the statement.
The fourth suspect remained in custody and is currently being held for further investigation and legal action.
Separate Engagements in Wase and Shendam
The Qua’an Pan operation was part of a larger, intensive clearance mission targeting insurgent corridors across Plateau State.
In the days prior, on 4 April 2026, troops partnered with local vigilantes to comb the Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area. While traversing the Babangida–Adua road, the joint force engaged armed terrorists in a fierce firefight.
Superior firepower led to the immediate neutralization of two suspected terrorists, while several others retreated into the dense forest with gunshot wounds. A subsequent search recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.
In a simultaneous development at about 9:35 am on Sunday, troops in Shendam Local Government Area collaborated with local residents to apprehend a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The individual is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on 3 April 2026.
Military Calls for Vigilance
Captain Oteh emphasized that these operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian military and its local partners to restoring peace and security in Plateau State.
He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest security post as clearance efforts continue.
All suspects and recovered items are now in military custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
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