Troops Foil Christmas Day Attack in Plateau, Kill Notorious Bandit, Recover Arms
Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army under Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned attack by armed bandits in Plateau State, neutralising one notorious criminal and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of December 25, 2025, took place at Gwande Community in Monguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area, following credible intelligence indicating that bandits were mobilising to attack a nearby community.
According to the military, the operation was part of the decisive phase of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during the yuletide period.
On arrival at the location, troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals were forced to flee in disarray, with one bandit neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
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Items recovered from the scene include one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and six cartridges.
Preliminary reports from the community confirmed that the neutralised bandit was a member of a notorious criminal syndicate that had been terrorising Gwande Community and its surrounding areas. Troops have since intensified follow-up operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
The 3 Division/JTF Operation Enduring Peace reassured residents of Plateau State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The military also warned criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area to desist from illegal activities or face decisive military action, stressing that troops remain vigilant and fully prepared to deal with any threat to peace and security.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, on December 25, 2025.
By PRNigeria
