During a stakeholders meeting attended by traditional rulers and community leaders from 13 Districts in Barikin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), emphasized the significant role of criminal syndicates in perpetuating the crisis in the region. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to eliminate these criminal elements from the community and secure lasting peace.
At the meeting held at Headquarters 3 Division in Jos, the GOC/Commander OPSH underscored the destructive influence of criminal syndicates on regional stability and security. He highlighted their involvement in activities such as arms trafficking, armed robbery, cattle rustling, cattle poisoning, drug smuggling, willful farm destruction, and organized crime, all of which contribute to escalating tensions and worsening the crisis.
The Commander expressed concern about the far-reaching consequences of these criminal networks, including loss of life, property destruction, and displacement of innocent citizens due to reprisal attacks resulting from the activities of these criminals. He noted that these criminals come from various ethno-religious groups, operating as organized syndicates. The GOC emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing these issues and ensuring lasting peace and development in Plateau State.
Recognizing the necessity of a united front, the Commander called for cooperation among traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and government institutions. He highlighted the role of strong traditional institutions in curbing youth involvement in criminal activities and urged all to work together to disrupt the activities of these criminal syndicates, share intelligence, and support law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and security.
The Commander appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities and provide information that could help identify and apprehend those involved in criminal syndicates. He reported that OPSH, in collaboration with local security networks, had carried out sting operations resulting in the arrest of over 60 suspects, neutralization of many, and the recovery of dangerous weapons and ammunition in the past month.
The stakeholders meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in combating the criminal elements responsible for perpetuating violence in the state. The Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN expressed optimism that through collective action and coordination, Plateau State would emerge stronger, enjoying sustained peace, and paving the way for progress and prosperity. The meeting also included comments from traditional rulers and group photographs as highlights of the event.
