In a week-long series of operations from October 9 to 16, troops belonging to Operation SAFE HAVEN achieved significant milestones in neutralizing bandits and armed robbers, apprehending numerous suspects, recovering arms and ammunition, and convicting several criminals in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi State.
In a statement released by the Nigerian Army through its official channels, the mission, known as “HAKORIN DAMISA IV,” outlined key achievements that included thwarting attacks, rescuing kidnapped individuals, and arresting suspects involved in various criminal activities.
One of the achievements involved the neutralization of a suspected bandit named Saidu, known as “Director,” who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, a headset, and some money.
Additionally, troops engaged in a gunfight with bandits near Jimlari village, successfully rescuing two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda.
Notorious kidnappers were also taken into custody following credible information. One such kidnapper, Madu Abubakar, was linked to the recent abduction of a Union Bank Accountant. The OPSH tactical team apprehended two more suspects, Mamu Dauda and Mohammed Zakari, who had been on the wanted list of OPSH.
In preventing attacks and recovering stolen goods, troops foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village. They arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Kabiru, and seized one pistol and three cartridges in the process.
The troops also played a vital role in the rescue of kidnapped victims. Working alongside personnel from the Nigeria Police and local hunters, they successfully rescued 11 female farmers kidnapped while working in their farmlands in Riruwa village, Toro LGA.
As part of their crackdown on criminals, Operation SAFE HAVEN achieved the conviction of five suspects: Hamisu Gyang, Pam Ibrahim, Mafeng Gwott, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Abdullahi Abubakar. These individuals faced charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, theft, and culpable homicide.
In another operation targeting drug peddlers and railway vandals, two suspected drug peddlers, Joseph Isaac, and Henry Pam, were arrested with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs. Troops also intercepted a truck loaded with railway materials suspected to have been vandalized and apprehended two suspects who were vehicle occupants.
In their commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, OPSH troops successfully deterred seven potential attacks on such communities and promptly responded to 15 distress calls.
Major General AE Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, expressed gratitude for the invaluable role played by local communities in providing timely information that contributed to the operation’s success. He emphasized OPSH’s unwavering commitment to tackling security threats in the region and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice as investigations continue.