by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operations “Hakorin Damisa IV,” from 14 to 21 August 2023, have arrested 39 criminal suspects in connection with banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery as well as recovered arms/ammunition and hard drugs.
The suspects were arrested at different locations within the Joint Operation Area of Operation SAFE HAVEN and 3 Division Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility.
A statement was signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday by Media Information Officer Operation Safe Haven, Capt OA James, in which it noted that, two of the suspects have been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robbery and kidnapping activities.
According to Capt OA James, the troop recovered 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 pump-action magnum gun, 1 AK-47 Magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special and an itel mobile phone from the suspects.
While a suspected kidnapper and arms dealer was also captured at Kuba Village, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops arrested 2 militia gang members identified to be among those, who attacked Heipang general area recently, and recovered 2 x AK-47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles and 4 pump-action cartridges during the operations.
Also, a drug syndicate operating in Bassa Local Government Area of the state was nabbed during a sting operation, and 7 drug peddlers arrested with a large cache of drugs.
He noted that, in addition, the troops also arrested a total of 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat Community and Mabel Village of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs, respectively.
Furthermore, a total of 37 distress calls were promptly responded to by OPSH within the period, leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims, foiling of cattle rustling and repelling of attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.
The OPSH assured the citizens that its remaining committed to bringing lasting peace to the Plateau, and would continue to be responsive and swift in protecting the lives and property of citizens.
