Troops Nab Gunrunners, Kidnappers in Daring Dawn Raid in Plateau State

Troops Nab Gunrunners, Kidnappers in Daring Dawn Raid in Plateau State

Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, backed by a credible intelligence agency, carried out a high-impact operation in the early hours of Sunday, 11 May 2025, at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, leading to the arrest of notorious criminals and the recovery of deadly weapons.

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According to a press statement signed by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, the operation followed the earlier arrest of a known gunrunner and kidnapper, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, on 10 May 2025 at Barakin Gangare, also in Barkin Ladi LGA.

The follow-up raid led to the capture of another notorious suspect, Mr. Saeedu Haruna. During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and an ITEL mobile phone—key evidence linking the suspects to criminal activities across Plateau and neighboring Kaduna State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are central figures in a deadly criminal syndicate responsible for a string of violent incidents across Gashish and Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi, as well as in Gwantu and Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

Both suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with security operatives, providing valuable intelligence that is expected to lead to the apprehension of more members of the gang and the recovery of additional weapons.

Operation SAFE HAVEN commended the support of the local communities, urging residents to continue supplying actionable intelligence to security forces. The statement reaffirmed the military’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property within the Joint Operations a Area.

Troops Nab Gunrunners, Kidnappers in Daring Dawn Raid in Plateau State