Troops Neutralise Bandits, Arrest 19 Suspected Kidnappers in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Military task force (Operation Safe Haven) taking charge of maintaining peace in Plateau State, said its troops have neutralised some bandits and arrested 19 suspected kidnappers terrorising the state.

This is coming barely two days after the troops also uncovered an illegal weapon manufacturing factory in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.

A fortnight ago, the troops had arrested 73 kidnappers, including bandits that have been terrorising various communities in the state and the neighboring Kaduna State.

Spokesman for the task force, Captain James Oya, confirmed the arrest of the 19 suspects in a statement he issued in Jos on Tuesday, noting that the troops neutralised more bandits and rescued some kidnapped victims during the latest operation which lasted about one week.

Captain Oya said: “Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Danisa IV from October 29 to November 5, 2023, neutralised suspected bandits and arrested 19 suspects in connection with kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, armed robbery, farm destruction, theft as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.

“On October 29, 2023, based on credible information, troops arrested two suspected drug dealers, Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal at Kujiya market, Bukuru in Jos South LGA, Plateau State. During the arrest, troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle. Suspects are being profiled for further action.

“Similarly, on October 30, 2023, troops of Sector 7, OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and recovered one locally fabricated rifle with cartridges in his possession. In a related development, on November 1, 2023, troops arrested two motorcycle thieves, Samaila Nasiru and Bashir Sani at Riyom general area, Plateau State.

“In the same vein, on November 3, 2023, troops arrested Suleimanu Audu at Gidan Auta village in connection with the kidnapping and raping of two victims on September 24, 2023.

“Additionally, on 3 November 2023, based on credible information, troops of Sector 4 OPSH arrested Sarajo Adam, a notorious armed robber, at Kwog village in Barkin Ladi LGA. The arrested robber has been on the wanted list of security agencies for several robbery activities in Barkin Ladi general area and environs.

“On October 30, 2023, based on credible information, troops arrested three suspects, Ibrahim Mohammed, Salisu Abdullahi and Idris Abdullahi in connection with the attack on farmers at Mai Hakorin Gold village in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.

“Troops also arrested three suspects, David Emmanuel, Moses Dalyop, and Gabriel Davou in connection with the murder of a commercial motorcyclist, Abdulkarim Saidu, at Shonong village in Riyom LGA, Plateau State. The suspects were said to have been arrested at Fang village in Riyom LGA on October 30, 2023.”

According to Capt. Oya, the suspects led the troops to recover the corpse of the murdered motorcyclist, adding that troops also arrested Abdullahi Abubakar at Rimin Zayam village in Toro LGA of Bauchi State in connection with the killing of one Mobile Policeman on November 2, 2023, at Kuba village in Bokkos LGA.

On the illegal weapon factory, the task force said that the troops acted on actionable intelligence which led to the success of the operation, adding that the operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Operation Safe Haven to combat illicit arms proliferation and ensure safety and security.

“The discovery of the weapon factory was also the result of a meticulously executed intelligence-led operation conducted by the troops, leading to the substantial recovery of a cache of automatic weapons and related equipment that were being produced and distributed to other states, thereby fuelling the crisis in Plateau and in Southern Kaduna.

“The recovered items include six AK-47 rifles, four sub-machine guns, 11 AK rifle bodies, a pistol, and seven AK-47 bridge blocks.

“Others include four AK 47 rifle magazines, 210 recoil springs for AK 47 rifles, seven rifle butts, eight rifle muzzles, nine piston assemblies, as well as five cartridge housings. Also recovered were one drilling machine set and a hand-filling machine.”