Troops Neutralize Bandits, Rescue 18, and Arrest Gunrunners in Plateau, Taraba

Troops of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) maintaining peace in Plateau State have successfully rescued 18 kidnapped victims and reunited them with their families across Plateau, Zamfara, and Taraba States.

The operation also led to the neutralization of suspected bandits in the affected areas.

This was confirmed by Major Samson Zhakom, the Military Information Officer of OpSH, who revealed the names of the rescued victims.

Among them were Saidu Ibrahim, Hassan Janyu, and Usman Haliru, all from Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State. Others included Baba Sale, Abdullahi Sabo, Mallam Yahaya, Yahaya Talau, Ali Kaka, Jala Garba, Musa Yaya, Hayyu Ari, Garba Ya’u, Idi Usman, Saadu Usman, Abdullahi Ango, Auwalu Bello, and Hauwau Buba from Wase LGA in Plateau State, as well as Muhammadu Bello from Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.

In a statement issued in Jos on Thursday, Zhakom disclosed, “The past two months witnessed intensive offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba States, particularly in Bangalala and Kinishi Forests stretching across Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs. These operations have yielded positive outcomes.”

Providing details, he noted, “On 23 December 2024, troops of Sector 5, Operation Safe Haven, under Operation GOLDEN PEACE, captured five bandits at a criminal hideout in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

“Recovered items included three fabricated rifles, two rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), four cartridges, and two daggers. Similarly, on 25 December 2024, troops intercepted five bandits attempting to cause mayhem in Jannaret, Mangu LGA of Plateau State. One fabricated rifle and four rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) were recovered from the suspects, who are now in custody making useful confessions.”

“On 27 December 2024, troops arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Musa Abubakar, also known as ‘Haburuwa,’ in Jebbu Village, Bassa LGA of Plateau State. The suspect confessed to orchestrating kidnappings in Bassa and Jos South LGAs.

“Additionally, on 28 December 2024, troops apprehended a gunrunner identified as Mosaje, who coordinated the supply of weapons to criminal syndicates. His arrest occurred in Dengi, Kanam LGA of Plateau State. He is currently providing intelligence to facilitate the arrest of his collaborators and the recovery of weapons.”

He added “On 1 January 2025, troops of Sector 5, OPSH, apprehended a member of a gun-running syndicate at New Layout, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Two fabricated pistols, three rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), and one cartridge were recovered. The suspect and the recovered items remain in custody for further action.

“On the same day, Sector 7 troops at Angwan Rimi Checkpoint in Kafanchan, Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, captured two suspected gunrunners. Recovered from the suspects were one fabricated pistol, one round of 7.62 mm (Special), and a jackknife.

“Similarly, on 3 January 2025, troops of FOB Sanga foiled a kidnapping attempt in Angwan Nungu Village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Four suspected kidnappers were apprehended, and one Dane gun was recovered.”

Highlighting yet another successful operation, Zhakom remarked, “On 4 January 2025, troops of Sector 5 OPSH laid an ambush at the hideout of a kidnapper’s accomplice, who disguised as a POS operator, in Angwan Hausawa, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. These decisive actions demonstrate the commitment of the military to ensuring peace and security in the region.”

The military continues to intensify its efforts to secure affected areas, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities.