Nigerian Army troops under Operation Wutan Daji have neutralised 13 suspected bandits in Plateau State during a clearance operation on April 9, 2026, in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.

The operation began at about 8:30 a.m., with troops setting up blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest. They engaged armed men on motorcycles in Daba and Seri villages, killing several. Others escaped with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included two motorcycles, five 25-litre fuel containers, one AK-47 rifle, and a loaded magazine.

Military authorities say the offensive is ongoing.

The success comes amid a spike in violence across the state. On March 29, an attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, claimed 28 lives, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to impose a 48‑hour curfew and ban commercial motorcycles. He also pledged state-funded medical care for victims.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks as “barbaric and cowardly,” vowing justice and noting the acquisition of advanced security equipment for real‑time tracking.

The Senate has ordered the Inspector General of Police to investigate the recent violence, though critics say action has been slow.

Public anger boiled over when youths from the Plateau Youth Coalition protested, carrying placards that read: “Plateau State is the Home of Peace and Tourism, but bandits are now everywhere. Enough is enough.” A separate protest disrupted the funeral of Angwan Rukuba victims after three young men were arrested for defending their neighbourhood; they were later released by the military.

Analysts note that Plateau’s cycles of violence stem from land disputes, ethnic tensions, and farmer‑herder conflicts. While military tactics have shifted to aggressive blocking and interception, former Governor Simon Lalong has called for frank dialogue among leaders. As public affairs analyst Dr. Dormene Mbea put it: “Condemnation alone will not stop the killings. Action is the only language these terrorists understand.”