Troops Arrest 39 Criminal Suspects, 307 Cows Grazing on Farms in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Troops of Operations Hakorin Damisa recently inaugurated in Plateau state by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja said they have arrested 39 criminal suspects in connection with banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, and has recovered arms, ammunition, and hard drugs from the criminals.

The troops have also arrested a total of 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat Community and Mabel Village of Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

In a statement, its Media and Information Officer, Captain Oya James, said that the suspects were arrested at different locations, adding that two of the suspects have been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robberies and kidnapping activities. He said that one AK 47 rifle, one pump-action magnum gun, one AK 47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, and an itel mobile phone were recovered from the suspects.

According to the statement, another suspected kidnapper and arms dealer was also captured at Kuba village in Bokkos LGA of the state.

It added that the troops arrested two militia gang members identified as being among those who attacked Heipang general area recently and recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven fabricated rifles, and four pump-action cartridges during the operations.

James disclosed that a drug syndicate operating in Bassa Local Government Area of the state was also nabbed during a sting operation, and seven drug peddlers were arrested with a large cache of drugs.

He said that a total of 37 distress calls were prompted and responded to within the period leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims, the foiling of cattle rustling, and the repelling of attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom councils.