Between November 21 to 27, 2023, the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops were deployed in an operation known as Hakorin Damisa IV where they effectively beat down bandits and seized arms and ammunition.
.As part of the operation, they arrested 54 suspects believed to be involved in kidnapping, murder, arms dealing, criminal attacks, railway vandalism, cattle rustling, and farm destruction.
Among those apprehended were seven men nabbed following a raid in Bakin Kogi where they were suspected to have murdered Pastor Mako Maraya and kidnapped his wife.
The suspects, currently under interrogation, were arrested in Kaura LGA’s Damakasuwa village of Kaduna State on November 20, 2023.
Two days later, the troops received a distress call regarding some alleged kidnappers in Fobur Kassa village in Jos East LGA, Plateau State.
A collaborative mission with local hunters ensued, resulting in one bandit being neutralized and the rest fleeing with various injuries.
In the same breadth, nine suspected drug traffickers were arrested within Mangu town, Plateau State. The strategic operations continued on November 23 where a local weapon manufacturing factory in Heipang District’s Ban village was raided, resulting in the arrest of one manufacturer, Sunday Markus Dung, and the seizure of various types of firearms and ammunition.
Additional breakthroughs included the rescue of three kidnapped victims from Bokkos LGA and the arrest of John Chunwang, the killer of a community leader in Barkin Ladi LGA, who confessed to his crime during an investigation.
Furthermore, the parents and community leader of two known robbers surrendered a 9mm Sub-Machine Gun to the troops in Kafanchan.
Other operations led to multiple arrests and the recovery of various firearms, illicit drugs, and stolen livestock.
Overall, a total of 58 arrests were made correlating to crimes such as kidnapping, arms dealing, murders, and banditry, with one bandit being neutralized in the process.
The troops also recovered 103 cows and 40 rams, rescued 3 kidnap victims, and effectively responded to and curbed seven attacks.
In light of these successful missions, Major General AE Abubakar, the Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, has confirmed the troops’ dedication to safeguarding law-abiding citizens. He also urged for ongoing cooperation from the public, ensuring prompt justice after investigations are concluded.
