Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) conducted a highly successful Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from October 29 to November 5, 2023. During this operation, the OPSH displayed remarkable effectiveness in addressing various security challenges in the region, resulting in significant achievements.
The operations conducted by OPSH during this period include the neutralization of suspected bandits, the arrest of 19 individuals involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and more. Additionally, OPSH successfully rescued kidnapped victims and recovered a substantial quantity of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
Specific incidents during this operation included the following:
On October 29, 2023, troops apprehended two suspected drug dealers, Mr. Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal, at Kujiya Market Bukuru in Jos South LGA, Plateau State. The operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle. The suspects are currently undergoing profiling for further action.
On October 30, 2023, troops of Sector 7 OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad, at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and seized a locally fabricated rifle with cartridges in his possession.
On November 1, 2023, troops arrested two motorcycle snatchers, Samaila Nasiru and Bashir Sani, at Riyom general area in Plateau State.
On November 3, 2023, Mr. Suleimanu Audu was arrested at Gidan Auta village in connection with the kidnapping and rape of two victims on September 24, 2023.
On the same day, November 3, 2023, based on credible information, troops of Sector 4 OPSH arrested Sarajo Adam, a notorious armed robber, at Kwog village in Barkin Ladi LGA. Sarajo Adam had been on the wanted list of security agencies for several robbery activities in Barkin Ladi and its environs.
On October 30, 2023, three suspects, Ibrahim Mohammed, Salisu Abdullahi, and Idris Abdullahi, were arrested in connection with an attack on farmers at Mai Hakorin Gold village in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.
On the same day, troops arrested three suspects, David Emmanuel, Moses Dalyop, and Gabriel Davou, in connection with the murder of a commercial motorcyclist, Abdulkarim Saidu, at Shonong village in Riyom LGA, Plateau State. These suspects were apprehended at Fang village, and they led troops to recover the murdered motorcyclist’s body.
On November 4, 2023, troops arrested Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar Lawyer in connection with the killing of a Mobile Police personnel at Kuba village in Bokkos LGA, Bauchi State. The suspect also admitted to being involved in kidnapping activities and other crimes, leading to the subsequent arrest of two more individuals in connection with the crime.
On October 30, 2023, troops successfully rescued Ms. Abigail Felix, who had been kidnapped on October 28, 2023, at Angwan Malam village in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State. She has been reunited with her family.
On November 1, 2023, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops rescued two kidnapped victims at Zobolo general area in Jos North LGA, Plateau State.
On November 4, 2023, following the kidnapping of Reverend Father Andrew Anana at Saint Francis Catholic Church Godo Godo district in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, troops conducted a search operation and successfully rescued the victim unharmed. Two suspects, Isia Etopia and Musa Opisa, confessed to the crime.
On October 30, 2023, troops arrested Alhaji Ya’u Baba for deliberately destroying farmlands at Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State.
On November 2, 2023, troops arrested two suspects, Edward Dauda and Pam John, for an attack on a herd of cattle, resulting in the killing of a cow at Sot Gyel community in Jos South LGA.
On the same day, troops apprehended 50 cows for grazing on farmlands at Kwi village in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.
Furthermore, on November 4, 2023, troops recovered five cows that had been rustled at Shemlang village in Mangu LGA, in the Sabon-Gari general area of Mangu LGA.
On November 1, 2023, troops neutralized two bandits at Dutse village in Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna State.
On November 2, 2023, two terrorists, Buwa Tafawa and Gyang Yusuf, were neutralized around Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.
On November 3, 2023, troops, in collaboration with vigilante members, thwarted an attempted attack on Kuba village in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, by unidentified gunmen. During this operation, one of the attackers was neutralized, while the others fled with gunshot wounds.
During this week, Operation SAFE HAVEN also achieved the conviction of two suspects, Mr. Azi Ashom Abubakar (also known as Danladi Irimiya) and John Itse, who were charged with unlawful possession of firearms. Both suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced to two years of imprisonment each, with the option of a fine.
In summary, a total of 19 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes, including kidnapping, murder, attacks on villages, and illicit drug peddling. Additionally, four bandits were neutralized, and four victims were successfully rescued from kidnappers. Furthermore, OPSH deterred six attacks on vulnerable communities and responded to 13 distress calls.
The Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General AE Abubakar, emphasizes the resilience of OPSH and expresses gratitude for the continued support from the local populace in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States. All arrested suspects currently in custody will be appropriately charged once investigations are concluded.
