Nigerian Army Reports Significant Successes in Crackdown on Criminal Activities
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, from October 9 to 16, reported several significant achievements, including neutralizing bandits and armed robbers, arresting numerous suspects, recovering arms and ammunition, and securing convictions of criminals in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi State.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Army through its official X account on Tuesday, the operation, known as “HAKORIN DAMISA IV,” emphasized the troops’ successful efforts in thwarting attacks, rescuing kidnapped individuals, and apprehending suspects involved in various criminal activities.
Regarding the neutralization of suspected bandits, the statement noted, “Troops neutralized a suspected bandit named Saidu, also known as Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, a mobile phone, headset, and some money.”
Furthermore, the report highlighted that the troops “engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village, rescuing two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda.”
In relation to the arrest of notorious kidnappers, the statement revealed that “acting on credible information, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar, linked to the recent kidnapping of a Union Bank Accountant.”
Additionally, the statement pointed out 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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Concerning the prevention of attacks and the recovery of stolen goods, the statement reported, “Troops foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village. They arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Kabiru, and recovered one pistol and three cartridges.”
The troops’ successful rescue operation of kidnapped victims was also mentioned, as they, in collaboration with personnel from the Nigeria Police and local hunters, rescued 11 female farmers who had been kidnapped while working on their farmlands at Riruwa village in Toro Local Government Area.
The crackdown on criminals saw “Operation SAFE HAVEN secure the conviction of five 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.”
Additionally, the statement indicated that “two suspected drug peddlers, Joseph Isaac and Henry Pam, were arrested with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs.”
The troops also intercepted a truck loaded with railway materials believed to have been vandalized and arrested two suspects who were occupants of the truck.
In their role in protecting vulnerable communities, the statement confirmed that OPSH troops successfully deterred seven attacks on such communities and responded promptly to 15 distress calls.
Major General AE Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, expressed his appreciation for the invaluable information shared by local communities, emphasizing its pivotal role in the operation’s success. He reiterated OPSH’s unwavering commitment to tackling security threats in the region and emphasized that the operation would continue to target criminal elements and bring them to justice as investigations proceed.
