Nigeria Army troops have killed two gunmen terrorising communities in Plateau State and also recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazine and ammunition from them during a counterterrorism operation.
The troops were said to have killed the two deceased persons after they responded immediately to a distress call from residents in a community, engaging the attackers in a firefight that resulted in the death of the two members of the criminal group, and according to the military z no soldier was injured or killed during the encounter.
One of those killed during the confrontation at the Nwur Village in Langtang North Local Government Area, yesterday, was the suspected bandit who had accompanied the troops to the location after providing information about the hidden rifle.
The operation followed the arrest and interrogation of a suspected bandit, who reportedly provided information about the location where a firearm had been hidden.
It was gathered on Tuesday that the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 9, Operation Enduring Peace, after they mobilised to
According to a military source, the intelligence prompted troops to move with the suspect to recover the concealed weapon. However, the team came under attack while approaching the location.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The military source described the two suspects as local residents who had allegedly been terrorising communities in the area.
According to the source, several attacks in the affected communities had previously been attributed to Fulani bandits, although the latest operation indicated the involvement of local elements.
“Troops have continued to exploit the area to prevent the fleeing members of the group from regrouping,” the source said.