By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded fresh gains in ongoing military operations against armed groups in Plateau State, with two suspected terrorist leaders reportedly neutralised and six AK-47 rifles recovered from a criminal network operating in the Wase axis.
The developments followed sustained military offensives around Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area on November 8, 2026.
According to preliminary intelligence reports, information received by security sources at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that two suspected terrorist leaders, identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black, had been killed following the military operation.
Another armed group figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left critically wounded. However, his condition and the reported deaths of the two leaders have yet to receive independent military confirmation.
In another development on November 10, sustained military pressure reportedly forced members of the criminal network to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security personnel.
The weapons were reportedly handed over through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara and are now in military custody.
The recovery is considered significant as the rifles had previously fallen into the hands of the armed group. Their return could also provide security operatives with additional opportunities for intelligence gathering and investigation.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Mother, Daughter in Plateau
In a related operation, troops of the 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter.
The soldiers also recovered 39 cattle during the operation, adding to the latest military gains against criminal activities in the area.
The operations represent a potential setback for armed groups operating around Wase, particularly with the reported loss of key figures and the recovery of weapons previously taken from security forces.
The developments also highlight the role of intelligence gathering, sustained military pressure and continued security presence in efforts to disrupt armed criminal networks across Plateau State.
However, the reported deaths of Haruna Balatoni and Black, as well as the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru, remain based on preliminary human intelligence (HUMINT) assessments and should be treated as unconfirmed pending official military verification.
Source: Security sources and preliminary HUMINT reports. Independent confirmation by the Nigerian Army is pending.
