Nigerian Army kills two terrorists, arrests gunrunner in Plateau State raids

Troops of the Nigerian Army have announced the neutralisation of two terrorists and the arrest of a suspected gunrunner during a series of coordinated operations in Plateau State. The military disclosed these actions in a statement released on Monday, 9 November 2026, detailing activities carried out across three local government areas: Mangu, Kanam, and Wase. The operations, described as intelligence-driven, resulted in the dismantling of several terrorist camps and the recovery of significant quantities of firearms, ammunition, and other logistical equipment.

The first major action took place at Gindiri Market in Mangu Local Government Area. As detailed in the official release, members of the Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) Special Tactical Team executed a targeted raid following reliable intelligence. This led to the apprehension of a suspect identified as Adamu Adamu, also known by the alias Jauro. Authorities discovered the individual holding a single AK-47 firearm together with fifteen cartridges of 7.62mm specialized ammunition. The military verified that Adamu is being held, alongside the confiscated materials, while inquiries proceed regarding his suspected involvement in arms trafficking within the locality.

Background

In a separate but simultaneous offensive, troops from the 33 Artillery Brigade launched coordinated operations on 8 November 2026 at Dajin Madam Forest, an area spanning the Kanam and Wase local government areas. The military stated that the primary objective was to clear terrorist camps and destroy life-support structures that had been used to sustain criminal activities and serve as havens for attacks. During the advance, troops made contact with armed groups and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray. The statement noted that bloodstains were observed along the withdrawal routes, indicating possible casualties among the fleeing combatants.

After the initial confrontation, personnel expanded their search of the vicinity, securing 135 cartridges of 7.62mm NATO rounds, PKT connecting links, four cellular devices, two radio sets, four motorbikes, two containers of petrol (PMS), and various camouflage garments. During a later clash close to Kukawa Village, forces eliminated two insurgents and retrieved more motorbikes. Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, the spokesperson for Operation ENDURING PEACE, provided these details in a statement made available to media correspondents in Jos. He emphasised that these actions are part of a sustained effort to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists access to weapons and operational hideouts in the forested regions of the state.

Why it matters

The operations aim to address the persistent insecurity in Plateau State by targeting the logistical and structural support systems of armed groups. The Army declared that these achievements bolster their determination to dismantle the structures supporting instability, deprive criminals of refuge, and rebuild public trust. By destroying camps and recovering critical logistics such as ammunition and communication devices, the military seeks to degrade the capacity of these groups to sustain criminal activities. The official representative promised citizens that the armed forces will persist with aggressive missions and deepen cooperation with local populations and other security partners to safeguard lives and assets throughout the state. The recovery of specific items, including PMS and camouflage uniforms, highlights the focus on disrupting the supply chains that enable these groups to operate effectively in remote areas.