In an unrelenting effort to purge criminal elements from the operational domains of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) within the Joint Operation Area (JOA) and the jurisdiction of Headquarters 3 Armoured Division, commendable achievements have been made by the troops.
Two terrorists were neutralized in Kafanchan, located in the Jema’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, while 24 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping were apprehended during a series of meticulously executed sting operations in the JOA.
Confirming these accomplishments, Captain Oya James, the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, reported that an additional five criminal suspects were brought before the Chief Magistrate Court Abattoir in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. They faced charges related to criminal conspiracy and possession of firearms and were subsequently sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment or offered an option to pay a fine.
During the operational phase known as Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV, the unwavering dedication of OPSH troops led to the apprehension of 43 criminal suspects involved in various crimes such as murder, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and drug peddling, among others. A series of raid operations were conducted in locales notorious for harboring cattle rustlers, kidnappers, and criminals, including Rubum, Fasa, Faan, Fas, Gora, and Angwa Mallam villages across Barkin Ladi, Jos East, and Sanga LGAs in Plateau and Kaduna States. These operations resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of four locally fabricated firearms. Notably, Sati Gummut Jidauna was arrested in Mushu village along with one fabricated rifle, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and a sum of cash.
In addition to these successes, based on intelligence reports, troops apprehended 10 suspected cattle rustlers at Mai-Adiko market in Rayfield and the Kara cattle market area in Jos metropolis. The gallant troops also thwarted a robbery operation, leading to the arrest of four armed robbers in the Bokkos Community and New Layout village of Bokkos LGA, Plateau State. Troops deployed in Riyom LGA managed to recover 49 cows that were grazing on farmlands and arrested three suspects linked to farm destructions in Jebu/Kwakwi, Karker, and Gako villages, while simultaneously rescuing Mr. Adamu Hassimu, who had been trapped during an attack in Ruwi/Mushu Villages.
Furthermore, two herders, Haruna Dare and Jibrin Ali, were arrested in connection with the killing of a farmer in Manyi Cupi village in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. These suspects confessed to their involvement and are currently undergoing legal proceedings. Also, three herders were detained for assaulting Mrs. Mwanet Sylvanus at Company Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. In addition, a kidnap mastermind, Ibrahim Suleiman Abba, was arrested at Angwan Nungu village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State and subsequently handed over to the Police Gwantu Division for further legal action.
Furthermore, Solomon Adams was arrested in connection with the killing of Abdullahi Adamu Lamo in Rasa village, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, while another suspect, Husseini Yinusa, was apprehended for the murders of two locals in Angwa Ayaba village, Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
Troops also made arrests in connection with the murder of four individuals in Angwa Pas village, Langai district Mangu LGA, and foiled the attempted kidnapping of Alhaji Husini at Kasuwan Ali village in Mangu LGA. Additionally, troops, while on alert, thwarted a planned attack on Mangu Hale village in Mangu LGA on September 16, 2033, neutralizing several attackers while others fled with gunshot wounds. One fabricated automatic rifle, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one cutlass, and other offensive items were recovered.
Based on intelligence reports, troops conducted a raid on a criminal hideout at Kariyo village in Jema’a LGA and arrested seven suspected kidnappers, including three individuals long on the wanted list of security agencies: Bawa Nabaki, Dawa Nabaki, and Joro Yamu. Furthermore, two kidnap victims, Reverend Father Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, were successfully rescued during an attempted kidnapping incident at Fadan Kamantan village in Zango Kataf LGA. Additionally, Mr. Nasiru Isa was rescued from kidnappers at Jarawa Hill, Jankasa village in Jos East, Plateau State. A suspected kidnapper, Habu Sale, was also apprehended at Unguwan Mal Musa village in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.
In another development, troops arrested Malam Sadiq Aliyu while he was transporting vandalized railway sleepers in an unregistered J5 Bus in Kubachi village, Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State. Another suspect, Paul Clement, was arrested for motorcycle theft in Quess village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Furthermore, troops apprehended two drug peddlers at Jebbu Miango, Bassa LGA, and another suspected drug peddler with illicit drugs at Tahoss village in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.
In summary, a total of 43 arrests were made, including 24 suspected kidnappers, six victims rescued from kidnappers, three murder suspects detained, and three drug peddlers apprehended during this period. Additionally, troops successfully thwarted five attacks on vulnerable communities and responded promptly to 83 distress calls within the same timeframe.
OPSH extends its appreciation to the supportive communities of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna states for their unwavering assistance and encourages them to continue providing actionable information to the troops. The diligent efforts of OPSH persist in their mission to eradicate all criminal elements operating within the JOA.
