In a significant boost to security operations, the Nigerian Army has deployed an additional 300 troops to the North Central region. This move, ordered by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, aims to fortify the fight against criminal elements destabilizing the area.
Major Arms Recovery in Plateau Raid
Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers from the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) conducted a targeted raid on December 3, 2025. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, focused on a suspected gunrunner's hideout in Ranbiri Village, Kafi Abu, located in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of JTF OPEP, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, troops from Sector 2 (Sub-Sector 3) based in Gashish carried out the mission. Although the prime suspect managed to escape before the troops' arrival, a meticulous search of the location yielded crucial evidence.
The security forces successfully recovered:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One AK-47 magazine
- Communication equipment
Major Zhakom confirmed that all recovered items are now in safe custody. He added that manhunt operations are actively underway to track down and apprehend the fleeing gunrunner.
Imo Police Neutralize Kidnappers, Rescue Victim
In a related development underscoring nationwide security efforts, police operatives in Imo State recorded a major success against kidnappers. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, officers from the Agwa Division, led by their Divisional Police Officer (DPO), engaged a criminal gang during a routine patrol along the Obudi–Mgbala Road.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, briefing journalists at the headquarters in Owerri, stated that the confrontation resulted in the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers. Other gang members fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
From the scene, police recovered significant items, including:
- Two pump-action rifles
- Seven live cartridges
- Two Android phones
The officers also rescued a female victim from the kidnappers. Tragically, the yet-to-be-identified woman later died while receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Sustained Security Operations Yield Results
The statement from JTF OPEP emphasized that troops remain highly motivated and committed to employing all legitimate means to protect civilians. Their core mandate includes dismantling the supply chains of criminal networks operating within their joint operations area.
Further demonstrating the breadth of security operations, DSP Okoye detailed another successful raid on the same day. Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Nekede Division raided the Umuezeruokam Forest, which links to the notorious Avu Forest. This operation led to the arrest of twelve (12) suspects and the recovery of a cache of items, including phones, daggers, a cutlass, assorted hard drugs, a saw blade, and a bunch of arrows. This case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for deeper investigation.
The Commissioner of Police for Imo State has reassured residents of the command's unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements and upholding public safety across the state.
