Army arrests suspected gunrunner, neutralises two terrorists in Plateau

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner, killed two terrorists and dismantled several terrorist camps during separate security operations in Plateau State.

The operations, conducted across Mangu, Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics believed to support terrorist activities.

The Army said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) Special Tactical Team arrested the suspected gunrunner, identified as Adamu Adamu, popularly known as Jauro, during an intelligence-led operation at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area.

The suspect was reportedly found with an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. He remains 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.

Other items recovered 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.

It added that troops would continue offensive operations while working with local communities and other security agencies to improve safety and restore peace across Plateau State.