Troops kill several terrorists, recover 10 bodies in Plateau

The Nigerian Army says its troops have killed several suspected terrorists during coordinated operations in Plateau State, recovering at least 10 bodies after a gun battle in parts of the state.

The military action, carried out under Operation Wutan Daji, took place on Thursday across Wase and Kanam local government areas, where troops launched offensives targeting identified terrorist corridors around Daba and Seri villages.

According to an operational report, the mission followed intelligence on the movement of armed groups within the axis. In response, troops were strategically deployed to cut off escape routes and intercept the suspects.

Soldiers established blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest corridor, an area believed to serve as a transit route for the armed groups. It was along this stretch that troops encountered the suspects, who were reportedly moving on motorcycles.

A firefight broke out during the encounter, leading to the killing of several of the suspected terrorists. Others fled the scene, though the military believes some of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

The army described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability in communities affected by insecurity in Plateau and surrounding areas.

Troops intercept terrorists along forest corridor

Military authorities said the success of the operation was driven by coordinated planning and improved intelligence gathering, which enabled troops to anticipate the movement of the armed group.

They added that soldiers involved in the operation maintained a high level of discipline and combat readiness, allowing them to effectively engage the suspects and limit their ability to regroup.

The report noted that troops have continued to sustain pressure in the area, with follow-up operations ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group and prevent further attacks.

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Weapons, motorcycles recovered as operation continues

Following the gun battle, troops conducted a sweep of the area, leading to the recovery of 10 bodies believed to be those of the attackers.

Items recovered from the scene include two motorcycles, a 25-litre jerrycan of premium motor spirit, one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition.

The army said the recovery of these items provides further evidence of the group’s operational activities in the area, particularly their reliance on motorcycles for mobility across difficult terrain.

It added that operations remain ongoing, with troops maintaining an aggressive posture aimed at eliminating remaining threats and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.