Troops from the Joint Task Force-Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) killed three suspected bandits in Karem community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation occurred on Friday following intelligence reports of terrorist movements in the area. According to Capt. Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for the operation, the suspects were traveling on motorcycles when troops engaged them, leading to a confrontation in which all three were neutralised. This action is part of a broader security push following the deployment of additional counter-terrorism forces ordered by the Chief of Army Staff.
On Thursday, JTF-OPEP troops arrested two men impersonating security personnel in Dutse Uku, Jos North LGA. The suspects, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were involved in setting homes on fire and inciting violence. Captain Oteh stated they are now in custody, while two others injured during the incident are receiving medical care in stable condition. The military claims the arrests disprove allegations of its involvement in recent unrest in Jos North.
The arrest of impostors in military gear directly undermines claims that Nigerian troops were behind the Dutse Uku violence, but also exposes how easily fake operatives can exploit security gaps. Captain Oteh's detailed rebuttal suggests the military is more concerned with image management than addressing systemic vulnerabilities. If criminals can operate in official uniforms without detection, the real failure lies in intelligence and oversight. For Nigerians, this means trust in uniformed personnel just became harder to earn.
