From Yakubu Wuyep,Jos
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced clearance operations targeting suspected criminal hideouts in seven local government areas of Plateau State as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity.
The operations, launched following the deployment of a Special Tactical Squad by Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, began after the team arrived in Jos on October 17, 2026.
The affected local government areas are Bassa, Jos South, Bokkos, Jos East, Mangu, Shendam and Qua’an Pan.
According to an operational report published on Friday, the exercise involves security patrols, intelligence-led operations, the clearance of suspected criminal hideouts and measures to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.
The report stated that several suspected bandits and militia members had been neutralised during the operations, while identified criminal hideouts were destroyed. It did not provide figures for the reported casualties among suspected criminals.
The police also reported that no personnel involved in the operations had been killed or injured, despite engagements with suspected criminal elements in some locations.
Before the exercise began, the tactical team received a briefing from the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, with support from the operational ground commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sunday Audu Peter, who is also the Commandant of the Police Mobile Training College, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.
The operations are expected to continue as the police intensify efforts to identify security threats, prevent criminal activities and improve safety across rural and urban communities in the state.
The police said the exercise also includes engagement with community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and improve the response to reported security incidents.
Residents are expected to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect lives and property.