Troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have continued to record notable operational successes across Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Benue and Kaduna States, reinforcing security in vulnerable communities and along key transit routes. This was revealed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Friday, 20 March 2026. According to the report, troops responded swiftly to distress calls and intelligence reports, leading to the rescue of abducted victims and disruption of criminal activities. On 13 March 2026, troops in Wase LGA of Plateau State pursued terrorists who attacked Yuli Village and successfully rescued an abducted victim, reuniting her with her family. Similarly, in Benue State, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along Ugbokpo in Apa LGA, rescuing four passengers from armed herders, while operations in Gboko LGA led to the recovery of arms and ammunition from fleeing suspects.
The momentum continued with further breakthroughs across the region. Troops arrested a suspected ammunition courier in Shendam LGA of Plateau State with a large cache of ammunition, while another abducted commuter was rescued along the Manchok–Jos Road in Riyom LGA after troops engaged kidnappers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their victim. Additional arrests were made in Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs, where suspects linked to armed robbery and terrorism were apprehended, with weapons recovered. In a related development, troops conducted an anti-illegal mining operation on 18 March 2026 along the Chaza–Izom axis extending into Gwagwalada in the FCT, dismantling an illegal mining site and arresting eight suspects.
These operations highlight the increasing effectiveness of coordinated military efforts in restoring peace and stability across the North Central region. By combining rapid response with intelligence-led operations, the Armed Forces are not only rescuing victims but also proactively dismantling the networks that enable criminal activities. The consistent presence of troops in flashpoints continues to deter would-be offenders and reassure residents of their safety.