Security forces gun down 4 bandits, rescue kidnapped victims in Kaduna, Plateau

Security forces have neutralised four bandits and rescued several abducted victims during coordinated military operations in Kaduna and Plateau states.

The operations were conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) between December 11 and 13, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the region.

According to reports, on December 11, troops of Sector 5 carried out an offensive clearance operation targeting kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages within Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The troops engaged the criminals in a firefight during which three kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang fled with gunshot wounds, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest them.

On December 12, troops of sector 1 intercepted a suspected bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa local government area of Plateau state.

The suspect opened fire on sighting the troops but was swiftly neutralised. Items recovered from the suspect include one pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, one dagger, one mobile phone and a sum of money.

On December 13, troops responded to intelligence on an impending attack at Gidan-Saki village in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state.

The swift response forced the criminals to abandon the planned attack and flee into nearby bushes.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops of sector 1 deployed at Jengre in Plateau state carried out an ambush following the abduction of four persons at Rimi village in Bassa local government area.

A firefight ensued during the ambush, leading to the neutralisation of one kidnapper, while all four abducted victims were rescued alive during the operation.

Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.