Army neutralizes bandits, rescues kidnapped victims
Operation SAFE HAVEN troops in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi State from October 9 to 16, saw the defeat of bandits and armed robbers, the arrest of a large number of suspects, the recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the conviction of a number of offenders.
The operation, known as “HAKORIN DAMISA IV,” was announced by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday via its X account. The announcement noted that the troops had prevented attacks, freed hostages, and detained suspects who were engaged in a variety of criminal activities.
On the neutralization of suspected bandits, the “troops neutralized a suspected bandit named Saidu AKA Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, mobile phone, headset, and some money.” the statement said.
Also, the “troops also engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village, rescuing two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda,” the report said.
On the arrest of notorious kidnappers, the statement added that “acting on credible information, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar,” linked to the recent kidnapping of a Union Bank Accountant.
Furthermore, the statement added that the “OPSH tactical team arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Mamu Dauda and Mohammed Zakari, who have been on the wanted list of OPSH.”
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However, in the prevention of attacks and recovery of stolen goods, the “troops foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village.
“Troops arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Kabiru, and recovered one pistol and 3 cartridges,” the statement reported.
On the rescue of kidnapped victims, the “troops, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police and hunters, rescued 11 female farmers kidnapped while working on their farmlands at Riruwa village in Toro LGA.”
Nonetheless, in the crackdown on criminals, “Operation SAFE HAVEN secured the conviction of 5 suspects named Hamisu Gyang, Pam Ibrahim, Mafeng Gwott, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Abdullahi Abubakar, who were charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, theft, and culpable homicide.”
Nevertheless, on the arrest of drug peddlers and railway vandals, “two suspected drug peddlers, Joseph Isaac, and Henry Pam, were arrested with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs,” the statement conveyed.
Also, “troops intercepted a truck loaded with railway materials suspected to have been vandalized and arrested 2 suspects who were occupants of the truck,” the statement added.
On the protection of communities, “seven attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred, and 15 distress calls were promptly responded to by OPSH troops,” the statement confirmed.
The Commander of OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the timely sharing of information by the local communities, which has been instrumental in the operation’s success.
He underscored OPSH’s commitment to continuing its efforts to address regional security issues.
Abubakar emphasized that as investigations go forward, the operation will continue to focus on criminal elements and prosecute them.
