Army Neutralize Kidnappers, Nab Gunrunners

In a significant and coordinated operation, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) carried out Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from August 28th to September 4th, 2023.

This mission led to significant breakthroughs in the fight against criminal activities in the region. The update was provided by Captain Oya James, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, through the official Twitter account of the Nigerian Army, @HQNigerianArmy.

During this operation, 54 criminal suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes, including kidnapping, farm destruction, armed robbery, gunrunning, and illicit drug trafficking.

The joint efforts of the troops, the Nigeria Police, and local hunters resulted in the neutralization of five suspected kidnappers in the Tahuwa community. Additionally, a substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, including three AK-47 rifles, one SMG rifle, and 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The operation extended across Plateau and Kaduna States, leading to the arrest of three kidnappers and one suspected bandit, Dauda Tahiru, who was linked to the recent attack in Heipang village, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

Furthermore, troops successfully tracked down and arrested a notorious gunrunner, Da Nyam, and an accomplice in Kwang/Kafanchan communities of Jos South/Jama’a LGAs in Plateau and Kaduna States. This operation resulted in the recovery of additional weapons and ammunition.

Clearance operations in Alaghom village/Maijuju forest, Anguware hills, and Fofur general areas in Mangu LGA yielded positive results, with the recovery of a motorcycle and an AK-47 rifle loaded with rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. OPSH also collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Plateau State Command, handing over suspects and a truckload of vandalized railway slippers for further action.

Troops demonstrated their commitment to protecting vulnerable communities by thwarting a criminal attack around Rokwat and Mararaban Kantoma villages in Barkin Ladi LGA and containing a reprisal attack in Ruga Fulani at Danhausa village. Moreover, kidnapped victims, including Alhaji Buba Musa, Friday Luka, Joy Sunday, Marachi Chimeze, and a pregnant woman, were successfully rescued in various operations.

The proactive efforts of the troops also led to the arrest of a car thief, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. In response to a kidnapping incident at Angware village in Jos East, Plateau State, troops recovered 11 empty cases and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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The commitment to maintaining peace and security extended to addressing issues related to farm destruction, with the arrest of two herders, Musa Mamuda and Musa Alhaji, in Yagbak village, Zango Kataf, and the recovery of 27 cows grazing on farmland in Bot village, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.

Furthermore, the operation targeted drug-related crimes, resulting in the arrest of 41 drug dealers at Congo Russia in Jos North, who are currently in custody awaiting further action by the NDLEA.