Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), under the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD, have recorded major operational breakthroughs against criminal elements in Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralising kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims and foiling planned attacks.
The successful operations were carried out between 11 and 13 December 2025, following actionable intelligence and coordinated tactical deployments across the joint operations area.
Giving an update on the operations in a statement on December 15, 2025, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, said on December 11, 2025, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) conducted an offensive clearance operation on identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which had experienced persistent kidnapping incidents.
Zhakom said during the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of three notorious kidnappers, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
He said troops are currently intensifying efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects. In a related development on December 12, 2025, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) executed a successful covert operation against a notorious bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner linked to multiple cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in Bassa and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA and opened fire on sighting the troops but was swiftly neutralised.
Recovered items include one pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, one dagger, one mobile phone and a large sum of money, all now in military custody.
On 13 December 2025, troops also responded promptly to intelligence reports on an impending attack at Gidan-Saki Village, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The swift action by the troops forced the criminals to abandon their planned operation and retreat into nearby bushes. Ongoing efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In another operation on the same day, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre in Plateau State carried out a well-coordinated ambush following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA. The ambush along the criminals’ withdrawal route led to a fierce exchange of fire, compelling the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee. One kidnapper was neutralised, while all four abducted persons were rescued alive. Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, while troops continue efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals.
The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across Kaduna, Plateau and other areas within the joint operations zone.