You might wonder why Plateau State is a hotspot for terrorist activity. The region has a complex history of sectarian violence between rival groups, but that's a story for another time.

Background: Plateau State is a strategic location in Nigeria's North-Central region, bordered by Kaduna to the north, Bauchi to the east, Taraba to the southeast, and Benue to the southwest. The state has a diverse population of over 3 million people, comprising various ethnic groups, including the Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere.

The recent operations began on June 26 when troops of Sector 6 stormed Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area, following reports of criminal activities by suspected terrorists. The troops reportedly came under fire from the terrorists, who used livestock as cover during the exchange of gunfire.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, disclosed that the operations were part of ongoing offensive measures against terrorist elements operating within the Joint Operations Area.

The soldiers pursued fleeing terrorists, neutralising some of them, while others escaped. In a subsequent operation on the same day, troops of Sector 5 intercepted a motorcycle conveying two passengers from Kuba District in Bokkos Local Government Area to Maijanki in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The passengers abandoned a bag and fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops. A search of the bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles, while the motorcycle rider was arrested for investigation.

Captain Oteh said the rider claimed he merely transported the fleeing suspects and had no knowledge of their mission. Similarly, troops acting on intelligence on June 30 ambushed suspected terrorists massing around the Rafin Bauna/Gero mountains in Jos South Local Government Area.

Five of the suspects were killed during the operation, while others fled with gunshot wounds. According to the military's preliminary battle damage assessment, some of those killed had been on the command's wanted list for allegedly masterminding several attacks in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.

The task force also confirmed Wednesday night's attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area. It said troops deployed to secure the institute came under attack at about 11 p.m. from suspected terrorists who breached the perimeter through a low section of the fence under the cover of darkness.

The troops, however, responded swiftly, killing one of the attackers while others fled. The statement added that the body of the neutralised suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation, while recovered arms and ammunition were in military custody.

Security Implications: The latest attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State. The state government has been working with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region.

What's Next: The military has reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of operation in Plateau State. Operation Enduring Peace assured residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property and restore lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.

Key Facts:

  • Troops of Sector 6 stormed Gero Highground in Jos South Local Government Area on June 26.
  • Locally fabricated rifles were recovered from suspects in Bokkos Local Government Area.
  • Five suspects were killed during an ambush on June 30.
  • The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) was attacked on Wednesday night.
  • The military has handed over the body of the neutralised suspect to the police for further investigation.

The task force also confirmed Wednesday night's attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.