Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE, under the banner of Operation PEACE SHIELD, have dealt a significant blow to criminal syndicates operating in Kaduna State.
In a series of high-stakes engagements on January 13 and 14, 2026, security forces neutralised seven criminals and rescued a young girl from captivity.
The operations, centred in the Kaura Local Government Area, are part of a broader offensive to dismantle kidnapping and robbery networks terrorising the Ganawuri-Manchok corridor.
The first encounter occurred on Tuesday, January 13, after troops received intelligence regarding the abduction and assault of a young girl in Kajim Village. Responding with credible information, Sector 7 troops mobilised a pursuit that resulted in a fierce firefight.
“Upon receiving the information, troops mobilised and pursued the kidnappers,” stated Captain Joshua Atu John, Acting Media Information Officer for the JTF. “During the firefight, troops neutralised three criminals.”
The deceased suspects were identified as Yusuf Musa, Auwal Adamu, and Kamal Abdul. The victim was successfully rescued and has since been reunited with her family following a debriefing session.
Building on Tuesday’s momentum, troops conducted a raid on Wednesday, January 14, targeting an armed robbery hideout on the outskirts of Kaura. The engagement led to the neutralisation of four additional suspects, identified as 35-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim, 37-year-old Ibrahim Isa, 25-year-old Suleiman Auwal, and Suleiman Tahiru.
Following the skirmish, troops recovered a fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles used by the syndicate. Captain John noted that these successes are a testament to the consistent operational results being achieved against criminal elements in the Joint Operations Area.
Preliminary investigations suggest these individuals were key members of a notorious syndicate responsible for a wave of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Ganawuri-Manchok axis.
“JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements,” Captain John emphasised. “Our goal is ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across the joint operations area.”
The military command has reassured the public that operations will continue until the region is cleared of remnants of the criminal network.
