Troops of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Enduring Peace, have initiated a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise across the Jos metropolis.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, in a statement on Saturday, said the exercise commenced on Friday.

He said the intervention is part of a broader mandate to restore absolute normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property within Plateau State.

The statement noted that the heightened security presence yielded immediate results as troops successfully intercepted and arrested two suspects, and also recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle along with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one pump action gun.

“The arrest and recoveries were made during targeted operations conducted across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, along Dadinkowa, the Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-cost housing estate,” the statement added.

In a simultaneous development, the army said the troops also responded swiftly to a distress call regarding sporadic shooting in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam.

“Upon arrival of the troops, the unidentified gunmen were forced to retreat into the surrounding bushes under superior tactical pressure,” the statement added.

“During a subsequent sweep of the immediate vicinity, troops discovered two local residents who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.”

The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining a dominant security presence throughout Plateau State.

“The operations will continue with increased vigour until the threat of violence is completely neutralized and lasting peace is firmly re-established across all affected communities,” the statement added.