Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have killed no fewer than seven bandits and arrested 33 suspects in connection with arms dealing, kidnapping, murder, cattle rustling and other crimes in Plateau State and in Southern neighbouring Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Army Headquarters, in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, revealed that on November 13, the troops arrested five suspects in connection with an attack on one Mr Sati Pewat on his farm at Tileng Paat village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 13 to 20 November 2023, neutralised 7 bandits, recovered arms/ammunition and arrested 33 suspects in connection with kidnapping, murder, arms dealing, criminal attacks, railway vandalism, cattle rustling and farm destruction,” the statement read in part.
According to the force, on November 14, troops at the same address arrested one Umurana Adamu in possession of an AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 9 rounds of 7.62mm special. “Similarly, on 14 November 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a suspected arms dealer, Mr Rufai Abdullahi at Kamuru area in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 14 November 2023, troops, while on fighting patrol, made contact with bandits at Kachallah high-ground and engaged them with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of 6 bandits while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Troops further exploited the area and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 2 magazines, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special, one motorcycle, 2 Tecno phones, 2 packs of cigarettes, 56 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
“In the same vein, on 14 November 2023, troops conducted raid operations to kidnappers’ hideout at Biji Biji village in Hawul and arrested one suspected kidnapper, Dahiru Ibrahim. Items recovered from the suspect included one AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 3 rounds of 7.62mm special”, the post stated.
The statement also noted that the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended two notorious arms dealers, Abdullahi Ali and Ibrahim Hussaini while en route Zamfara State to deliver large quantities of ammunition to a bandit kingpin. “During the arrest, a total of 504 rounds of 7.62mm special, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 3 Rocket Propelled Gun charges and accessories were recovered. Other items recovered from the suspects included 3 mobile phones, a Ford Galaxy (Sharon vehicle) and a Zenith bank ATM card.
“In all, a total of 33 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes within the last week. Five were arrested for kidnapping, 6 for dealing in arms, 2 for murder, 4 for railway vandalism and 2 for farm destruction, while 7 bandits were neutralised. Additionally, 15 kidnapped victims were rescued, 3 attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred and 8 distress calls were promptly responded to.”
