In a resolute and extensive operation named “HAKORIN DAMISA IV,” troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) conducted a series of successful missions from October 16 to October 22, 2023, resulting in the neutralization of suspected bandits, the apprehension of 73 individuals involved in various criminal activities, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs. The operation, spanning Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States, has significantly contributed to restoring security and peace to the region.
On October 18, 2023, troops arrested 16 suspects linked to the brutal murders of two women, Victoria Wetsan and Nagung Sale, who were tragically killed while working on a farmland at Binkwaghas Village in Panyam district, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA).
On October 19, 2023, troops apprehended two individuals, Mohammed Yusuf and Aliyu Adamu, in connection with the isolated killing of Yahaya Adamu in Kibul forest, Riyom LGA, Plateau State. The same day, four suspects, identified as Anass Abdullahi, Abdulmalik Abdullahi, Aliyu, and Nuhu Mohammed, were arrested for their involvement in an attack on Mr. Irimiya Nuhu and Arron Anthony in Gwom-Kwok village, Barkin Ladi LGA.
On October 21, 2023, troops from Sector 6 arrested Yusuf Idris in the Polewire general area, Riyom LGA, for attempted murder. In addition, on October 16, 2023, troops arrested four suspects, Mr. Philip Kwam, Juak Anyuwu, Daniel Benjamin, and Ezekiel Samuel, for harboring criminals and possessing illicit drugs following a raid operation in the criminals’ hideout.
A joint operation with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria on October 20, 2023, led to the arrest of Bukam Daniel in connection with theft at Gol village in Bokkos LGA. Moreover, after laying an ambush for suspected bandits in Bura village, Ningi LGA, troops neutralized one bandit, with others fleeing with gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle was also recovered during this operation.
Troops continued their relentless pursuit of kidnappers. On October 17, 2023, four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Yamini and Kuka villages in Shendam LGA. These individuals, identified as Mallam Sale, Dibbo Abubakar, Umaru Abdullahi, and Jabbo Adamu, were linked to the recent kidnapping of Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi.
On October 18, 2023, troops conducted a sting operation at Yelwa bomb village in Jos North, apprehending nine suspected kidnappers responsible for terrorizing Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs. The operation also resulted in the recovery of a Toyota Picnic vehicle used in their operations and an AK-47 rifle concealed in a nearby bush.
A comprehensive operation on October 19, 2023, targeting suspected kidnappers in Horop, Kawel, Mushere villages, and Moonshine Hotel in Bokkos LGA, led to the arrest of 21 suspects.
Notorious kidnapper Mallam Mamman, who had been on the security agencies’ wanted list, abandoned his Ford Galaxy vehicle during a stop and search operation at Bisichi checkpoint, Barkin Ladi LGA, on October 20, 2023. Although he managed to escape, efforts are ongoing to apprehend him for prosecution.
On October 20, 2023, three suspects were arrested for car theft along the Bauchi-Jos expressway and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police for prosecution. Abdullahi Ibrahim was arrested for motorcycle theft at Gidan Waya in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna on October 21, 2023.
Troops also thwarted kidnapping attempts and rescued victims. On October 17, 2023, troops responded to kidnapping activities along Dangwa-Jagindi road in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, forcing the criminals to flee. In the process, troops rescued two kidnapped victims, Abdulrazak Hassan and Mrs. Salmatu Nuhu.
On the same day, troops on a fighting patrol around Sara high-ground, which borders Plateau and Bauchi States, rescued kidnapped victim Mallam Usman Saleh, who had been abducted at Kayarda village in Mangu LGA.
In a separate incident on October 20, 2023, troops engaged in a gun duel with bandits at Ruwan Dinya village, neutralizing one bandit and rescuing a kidnapped civilian, Mallam Dahiru Yahaya.
On October 19, 2023, troops conducted raid operations at Rhunji village in Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of two suspects, David Zakari and Victor Bamiyi, along with the recovery of two rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 8 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Troops arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Aminu Abdullahi and Yusuf Ibrahim, on October 16, 2023, at Rim village in Riyom LGA. On October 17, 2023, troops successfully recovered 31 cows and 10 sheep at Matla village in Bokkos, which had been previously rustled by unidentified criminals at Mangun village in Mangu LGA. Similarly, on October 18, 2023, troops recovered 24 cows at Kombul, Mangu LGA, which had been stolen by unknown miscreants.
On October 18, 2023, troops apprehended a total of 176 cows and arrested a herder for farm destruction in Riyan village, Riyom LGA, and Barkin Ladi towns. Additionally, on October 19, 2023, troops apprehended 17 cows responsible for destroying farmlands in Jos North LGA.
During this week-long operation, OPSH troops neutralized four bandits, arrested 73 individuals with arms and ammunition, apprehended 37 suspected kidnappers, rescued four victims from kidnappers, arrested two cattle rustlers, and detained four suspects for illicit drug peddling. The operation also successfully deterred five attacks on vulnerable communities and promptly responded to 28 distress calls.
OPSH acknowledges the crucial support of the community in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States, which has greatly enhanced collaboration and synergy in the effort to rid the region of criminal elements. All arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
