Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have recorded fresh operational successes in Kaduna State, neutralised criminal elements, rescuing a kidnapped victim, and recovering arms, ammunition and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Kaura Local Government Area.
The operations, conducted under Operation PEACE SHIELD on Tuesday, 13 January and Wednesday, 14 January 2026, targeted criminal hideouts within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), following credible intelligence reports.
On Tuesday, troops of Sector 7 JTF OPEP responded to information on the kidnapping of a young girl in Kajim Village, Kaura LGA. Troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, leading to a firefight during which three criminals were neutralised. The victim was successfully rescued, debriefed and reunited with her family.
In a related operation on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, troops raided an armed robbery hideout on the outskirts of Kaura town. During the encounter, four suspected criminals were neutralised. Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the neutralised suspects were members of a criminal syndicate linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities along the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor.
The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the joint operations area.
The military urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
