Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army under Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have raided a kidnappers hideout in Plateau State, neutralising suspects and recovering weapons during the operation. The operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating at Lantom village in Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area. The troops carried out the raid on January 6, 2026 during which four suspected criminals were arrested at the hideout. Items recovered from the suspects included one locally fabricated rifle, one axe and one machete. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are responsible for several kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Kadarko District and its environs, a source said. Two members of the criminal gang escaped during the initial raid with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the group. It was further disclosed that during interrogation, the arrested suspects volunteered information on the location of their arms and ammunition cache and offered to lead troops to the hideout on the outskirts of Kadarko for recovery. However, while leading the troops to the location, the suspects reportedly made desperate attempts to disarm one of the guards in an effort to escape. "The troops acted decisively and neutralised the kidnappers in the process, the source said. All recovered items, it was gathered, are currently in the custody of the troops. The military said follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons.
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