In a continued effort to ensure peace and security in Plateau State, troops of Operation Safe Haven have made significant strides by apprehending 19 suspected kidnappers and criminals in the region. This development comes on the heels of their recent arrest of 73 kidnappers and bandits who had been causing turmoil in Plateau and neighboring Kaduna State.
Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for the military task force, confirmed this latest operation and arrest in a statement issued in Jos. He disclosed that the troops, during a week-long operation named “Operation Hakorin Danisa IV,” not only neutralized suspected bandits but also managed to rescue some kidnapped victims.
The statement provided details of the operation, stating, “From October 29 to November 5, 2023, troops of Operation Safe Haven carried out Operation Hakorin Danisa IV. During this period, they neutralized suspected bandits and arrested 19 individuals linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, armed robbery, farm destruction, and theft. Additionally, they recovered arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.”
The statement further highlighted specific incidents during the operation, such as the arrest of two suspected drug dealers, Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal, on October 29, 2023, at Kujiya Market Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During this arrest, troops confiscated a locally fabricated rifle. The suspects are currently undergoing further profiling for appropriate legal action.
On October 30, 2023, the troops of Sector 7 OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad, in Kamuru village, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A locally fabricated rifle with cartridges was recovered in his possession. Furthermore, on November 1, 2023, the troops arrested two motorcycle thieves, Samaila Nasiru and Bashir Sani, in the Riyom general area of Plateau State.
On November 3, 2023, Suleimanu Audu was apprehended at Gidan Auta village, related to kidnapping and the rape of two victims on September 24, 2023. Similarly, on the same day, troops of Sector 4 OPSH arrested Sarajo Adam, a notorious armed robber, in Kwog village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. This robber had been on the wanted list of security agencies for multiple robbery activities in the Barkin Ladi general area and its environs.
Other arrests included three suspects, Ibrahim Mohammed, Salisu Abdullahi, and Idris Abdullahi, who were apprehended in connection with an attack on farmers at Mai Hakorin Gold village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, on October 30, 2023. Additionally, David Emmanuel, Moses Dalyop, and Gabriel Davou were arrested in connection with the murder of a commercial motorcyclist, Abdulkarim Saidu, at Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspects were taken into custody at Fang village in Riyom on October 30, 2023.
The statement concluded by noting the arrest of Abdullahi Abubakar on November 4, 2023, at Rimin Zayam village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Abdullahi Abubakar was apprehended in connection with the killing of a Mobile Policeman on November 2, 2023, at Kuba village in Bokkos Local Government Area. These operations continue to play a vital role in improving security and stability in the region.