Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled an ambush by suspected bandits during a follow-up operation in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazine and ammunition.
Bandit’s Confession Leads Troops to Nwur Village
The operation followed the arrest and interrogation of a suspected bandit, whose confession provided troops with intelligence on the location of a weapon allegedly hidden by members of the criminal syndicate.
Acting on the intelligence, troops proceeded to Nwur Village with the arrested suspect to recover the weapon.
However, the operation took a dramatic turn when the troops came under attack while approaching the suspected hideout.
According to the statement, members of the criminal syndicate launched an ambush against the troops, prompting the soldiers to respond.
Troops Engage Attackers in Firefight
The troops engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee the area.
“The army responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralising one of the attackers as well as the arrested suspect who was caught in the ensuing firefight,” the statement said.
The statement did not disclose the identity of the suspected bandit who was neutralised during the encounter.
AK-47 Rifle, Magazine Recovered
Following the firefight, military personnel conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered weapons and ammunition reportedly abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
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Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The recovery, according to the statement, formed part of the ongoing effort to disrupt the activities of the suspected bandit syndicate operating in the area.
Troops Intensify Search for Fleeing Bandits
Following the encounter, troops continued exploitation operations within the general area to track down other members of the criminal group.
The statement said the operation would continue as security forces work to prevent the bandits from regrouping or carrying out further attacks on residents.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirm its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of law-abiding residents,” the statement said.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in Plateau State and safeguard communities across the state.
