Troops Repel Fresh NIPSS Attack, Kill Terrorists, Foil Gunrunning in Plateau Crackdown

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have intensified military operations across Plateau State, neutralising suspected terrorists, foiling an illegal gunrunning operation, recovering locally fabricated firearms and repelling another attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.

The operations, carried out between June 26 and July 1, targeted terrorist hideouts and criminal networks operating in parts of Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas, according to the military.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the coordinated operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and restore lasting peace within the Joint Operations Area.

Troops Battle Terrorists in Jos South

The military said troops of Sector 6 launched an operation on June 26 at the Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area following credible intelligence on terrorist activities.

According to the statement, the troops came under heavy gunfire from suspected terrorists who allegedly used livestock as cover during the encounter.

"Approaching the Highground, the troops came under fire from the terrorists hideout who were using livestock as a shield. Troops immediately held their position and called for reinforcement. The timely arrival of the reinforcement forced the terrorists to withdraw from the engagement area," the statement said.

The military added that the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, neutralised some of them and continued clearance operations to destroy their hideouts and prevent them from regrouping.

Gunrunning Attempt Foiled

In another operation on the same day, troops stationed at Maijanki intercepted a motorcycle carrying two passengers travelling from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Barkin Ladi.

The military said the two passengers abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes after spotting security personnel at a checkpoint.

A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles.

The motorcycle rider was arrested and during preliminary interrogation, reportedly told investigators that he picked up the passengers in Kuba without knowing their destination.

The suspect, the recovered firearms and the motorcycle remain in military custody as investigations continue.

Five Suspected Terrorists Killed

The operation intensified on June 30, when troops acting on credible intelligence ambushed suspected terrorists assembled in the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area.

According to the military, five suspected terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped.

Preliminary battle damage assessment and intelligence from members of the community indicated that some of those killed had been on the military's wanted list for allegedly masterminding attacks in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.

Fresh Attack on NIPSS Repelled

The military also disclosed that troops on sentry duty successfully repelled another attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru on the night of July 1.

According to Operation ENDURING PEACE, suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the institute through a breached section of the perimeter fence under the cover of darkness before opening fire on security personnel.

Troops immediately engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

"Troops swiftly engaged the terrorists and neutralised one of them while others fled. The body of the neutralised terrorist has been handed over to the police for further necessary action. Arms and ammunition recovered are currently in custody while troops are dominating the area with aggressive patrols," Captain Oteh said.

NIPSS also confirmed the incident in a separate statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel.

According to the institute, the attack occurred at about 11 p.m on Wednesday but was successfully repelled by security operatives.

"The attackers engaged security operatives in a gun duel but were forced to retreat following the swift and coordinated response of the security forces. One of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while others were reported to have escaped with varying degrees of injuries," the statement read.

The institute said there was no breach of its security perimeter, stressing that all participants, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.

It added that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects while surveillance around the institute had been further strengthened.

The latest attack comes less than two weeks after another assault on the institute and neighbouring communities in which three people, including security personnel, were killed, prompting authorities to reinforce security around the country's foremost policy and leadership training institution.

Military vows sustained offensive

Operation ENDURING PEACE said troops would sustain aggressive operations across Plateau State to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and restore lasting peace.

"The Joint Task Force remains unwavering in its determination to deny terrorist elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area and reassures citizens of renewed efforts towards securing lives and property as well as restoring the desired peace," the military stated.