In a decisive security operation, troops from the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have foiled a kidnapping attempt, eliminated one criminal, and apprehended several suspected informants in Plateau State.
Swift Response Thwarts Kidnapping Attempt in Jos North
Acting on credible intelligence received on 15 December 2025, soldiers under Operation PEACE SHIELD moved swiftly to the Dong community within Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). The troops responded to reports of an ongoing kidnapping incident, engaging the criminals upon arrival and forcing them to abandon their initial plan and flee the scene.
Pursuit Leads to Firefight and Arrests
While retreating, the kidnappers diverted to a neighboring community where they succeeded in abducting four individuals. The troops immediately gave chase, leading to a direct confrontation. During the ensuing firefight, one kidnapper was neutralized. From his possession, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Furthermore, the operation led to the arrest of three individuals suspected of being informants for the kidnapping gang. Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for JTF Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, confirmed these details in an official statement.
Ongoing Efforts and Assurance to the Public
Major Zhakom stated that intense efforts are currently underway to safely rescue the four abducted victims and apprehend the remaining members of the criminal network involved. He reiterated the commitment of the security forces to protecting citizens.
"The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE assures the general public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Plateau State, and indeed the entire Joint Operations Area (JOA). Troops remain highly motivated, vigilant, and operationally effective, and will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality to ensure lasting peace and security," the statement read.
Related Arrest: Woman Nabbed for Transporting Ammunition in Niger State
In a separate but related security development, the Niger State Police Command announced the arrest of a 35-year-old woman, Zuwaira Usman from Pandogari in Rafi Local Council. According to police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun, she was arrested on 4 November 2025 by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
Intelligence reports indicated she specialized in transporting ammunition for criminal elements. During interrogation, Usman revealed she met a man named Lawali in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, in September 2025. Lawali later sent her to Warri, Delta State, with N22,000 transport fare to collect a package.
Upon arrival, a man identified as Ahmed on a motorcycle gave her a sack containing a flask. He also gave her an additional N30,000 for her return trip to Kaduna. Usman delivered the flask to Lawali in Birnin-Gwari, where it was discovered to contain 2,500 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
The police confirmed that Ahmed has since been intercepted and arrested in Delta State. Manhunts are ongoing to apprehend Lawali as investigations continue into the ammunition smuggling network.
