Troops Foil Deadly Attack on Plateau Villages, Kill Three Armed Bandits

By Peter Onyekachukwu

A swift response by Nigerian troops has averted a planned deadly attack on two Plateau communities, as soldiers gunned down three armed bandits in an early morning ambush on Tuesday.

The operation, which took place in the Teng area of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, was carried out by personnel of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in collaboration with troops from the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, following credible intelligence about an imminent attack on Teng and Kayarda villages.

Confirming the development in Jos, the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, said the troops engaged the armed militia in a fierce exchange, killing three of them on the spot while others fled into nearby bushes.

“On 27 May 2025, armed militia heading to attack some villages on the Plateau were ambushed and neutralised by troops of 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven. This followed credible intelligence on plans by bandits to attack Teng and Kayarda Villages in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area in the early hours of the day,” Zhakom stated.

The soldiers also recovered four AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the neutralised bandits. The arms and ammunition are currently in military custody.

Zhakom assured that the military would not relent in its efforts to rid Plateau State of criminal elements, urging residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.

“Our troops remain committed to flushing out all criminal elements within the joint operation area. We call on the public to support our operations by sharing credible intelligence that can help track these fleeing criminals,” he said.

The recent operation highlights ongoing security efforts aimed at curbing attacks and restoring peace to volatile communities in Plateau State.