In a decisive security operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated a dangerous bandit and seized a cache of weapons in Plateau State. The action is part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
Operation Enduring Peace Strikes Bandit Hideout
On January 8, 2026, soldiers from the 3rd Division, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), conducted a targeted raid on a suspected bandit hideout. This location was linked to a violent attack on illegal miners in the Tosho community on December 16, 2025.
During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. The encounter resulted in the death of one notorious bandit identified as Sadiq Isah, while his accomplices fled the scene under heavy fire.
Significant Weapons Cache Recovered
The successful raid yielded important recoveries that will disrupt the bandits' activities. The troops seized:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- 162 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
All recovered items are now in military custody. The army has confirmed that follow-up operations are actively underway to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, aiming to prevent further criminal actions in the area.
Army Chief Prioritises Troops' Welfare in Port Harcourt
In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, has reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of personnel. During his maiden operational visit to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, he commended the troops for their crucial role in protecting critical national infrastructure.
"Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure. Once you do that job very well, it will impact on the economy of the country," Shaibu stated.
He assured the soldiers that their well-being is his top priority, promising to address challenges affecting their operational effectiveness. "I will take care of your welfare issues, which is the topmost priority. You will get what you deserve and what you are entitled to, in one piece," he pledged.
The COAS announced concrete measures to improve living conditions, including:
- Construction of additional accommodation.
- Renovation of existing living quarters.
- Completion of ongoing projects to mitigate accommodation shortages.
He noted that these approved initiatives would cater for the welfare of over 150 soldiers. Shaibu also emphasised enhanced educational access for personnel's children, stating that welfare must accompany professionalism. He urged the troops to remain loyal and follow the guidance of their officers.
The visit concluded with an interactive session where officers and soldiers discussed operational and welfare-related issues directly with the Army Chief.
