Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) posing as tailors in Plateau State, as part of a series of coordinated operations between April 11 and 12.
The operations also led to the recovery of firearms and the neutralisation of a suspected bandit.
In a statement issued Saturday in Jos, OPSH spokesperson Major Samson Zakhom said the two suspects—Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old—were apprehended during an intelligence-led joint operation at Yelwa in Shendam Local Government Area.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects were part of an ISWAP cell tasked with establishing bases in Plateau and Bauchi states under the directive of an ISWAP commander,” Zakhom disclosed. “They had been using the guise of tailoring to further the group’s agenda in the area.”
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further interrogation. They will be prosecuted according to Nigerian law, Zakhom added.
In a separate operation on April 11, troops of Sector 4 OPSH raided a suspected criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Although the main suspect escaped before the troops arrived, a search of the premises led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402 and a magazine.
“The recovered weapons have been secured,” the OPSH spokesperson confirmed, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover more weapons.
On April 12, troops of Sector 2 OPSH conducted a successful ambush along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence. During the operation, contact was made with suspected bandits, leading to the neutralisation of one while others fled, possibly with gunshot wounds. A fabricated pistol was recovered during the follow-up operation.
Major Zakhom attributed the success of the recent operations to effective collaboration between troops and local communities.
“Our operations have been largely successful due to the timely and accurate intelligence provided by the public,” he said. “We urge continued support and vigilance from residents to help us combat these security threats effectively.”
Operation SAFE HAVEN is a special military task force mandated to restore peace and security in Plateau and neighbouring states by tackling terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.
