Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, under Operation Peace Shield, have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and arrested three alleged informants during a rapid response to a kidnapping attempt in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Acting on credible intelligence on 15 December 2025, soldiers moved to a reported kidnap location in Dong community, where they engaged the suspects and forced them to abandon their initial plan.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the fleeing criminals diverted to a neighbouring community and abducted four people as they tried to escape. Troops pursued them and, during a firefight, shot dead one of the kidnappers.
Soldiers recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the suspect who was neutralised. Three people believed to be informants who had been aiding the kidnapping gang with information and support were also arrested during the follow-up operations.
The suspects and recovered items are now in military custody as efforts continue to rescue the abducted victims and track down other members of the syndicate. Major Zhakom said troops remain on high alert in the Joint Operations Area and will keep targeting criminal networks to prevent further attacks.
He assured residents of Plateau State and neighbouring areas that the task force is committed to protecting lives and property. He added that troops are highly motivated, vigilant and ready to take decisive action against kidnappers and other violent criminals to sustain peace in the region.
In a separate development, the Niger State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Zuwaira Usman of Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area, for allegedly transporting ammunition for armed groups. Police said operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad picked her up on 4 November 2025 at about 5 p.m. following intelligence reports.
Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said investigations revealed that Zuwaira met a man identified as Lawali in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, in September 2025, where they exchanged phone numbers. Later, Lawali allegedly asked her to travel to Warri, Delta State, to collect a package on his behalf, sending her N22,000 as transport fare.
On arrival in Warri, she was reportedly picked up by a man on a motorcycle, later identified as Ahmed, who handed her a sack containing a flask and other items destined for Lawali. She told police that Ahmed also gave her N30,000 for the journey back to Kaduna.
According to the police statement, Zuwaira took the sack to Birnin-Gwari, where Lawali received it. It was later discovered that the flask inside the package contained 2,500 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
Police say Ahmed has since been intercepted and arrested in Delta State, while a manhunt is ongoing to track and arrest Lawali. Investigations are continuing to uncover the full network involved in the movement of the ammunition and its intended recipients.
Security agencies in both Plateau and Niger states have appealed to residents to share timely information on suspicious activities and movements. They stressed that community cooperation is crucial for preventing kidnappings, intercepting arms supplies and dismantling criminal groups.
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