Troops kill kidnapper, arrest informants in Plateau operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have killed a suspected kidnapper and arrested three alleged informants during a security operation in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on December 15, 2025, when troops, acting on credible intelligence, responded to a reported kidnapping attempt in Dong community, Jos North LGA, under the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD.

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According to a statement by Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson of OPEP, made available to journalists in Jos, said while retreating from the initial location, the criminals diverted to an adjoining community where they abducted four persons, prompting troops to immediately mobilise in pursuit.

“Upon arrival at the scene, troops engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their initial mission and flee,” Zhakom said.

Zhakom noted that the troops later engaged the kidnappers in a firefight, during which one of the suspects was neutralised, effectively disrupting the criminal operation.

He added that items recovered from the neutralised suspect included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while three suspected informants believed to be aiding the kidnappers were arrested.

The spokesperson noted that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend other members of the criminal network, assuring residents of Plateau State of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.