Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have neutralised two armed gunmen during a coordinated ambush in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, which took place on the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, was carried out at about 7:49 p.m. around Doruwa Babuje in the Marit general area, following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminals.
Military authorities said the armed group had been linked to violent attacks on communities, including armed robbery and sexual assault.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops engaged the suspects after intercepting their movement.
“Upon sighting the criminals, troops swiftly executed a well-coordinated ambush,” he said. “In the ensuing exchange of fire, two of the gunmen were neutralised while others escaped into nearby bushes under the cover of darkness.”
Following the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife, and a mobile phone from the scene.
Security forces have since maintained a presence in Marit and neighbouring Lajam villages to prevent further attacks and track down fleeing suspects.
Captain Oteh added that the operation remains ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal group.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to protecting lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” he said, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The latest operation forms part of sustained military efforts to curb armed violence and restore stability in parts of Plateau State frequently affected by insecurity.