An operation conducted by Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna, has led to the arrest of 17 individuals suspected of involvement in murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
OPSH spokesperson, Captain Oya James, revealed that the operation also resulted in the recovery of illegal weapons, ammunition, and drugs.
Captain James provided details of the operation, stating, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), during Operation Hakorin Damisa IV between August 21 and 28, 2023, arrested 17 criminal suspects associated with murders, kidnappings, and armed robberies. Additionally, we successfully recovered weapons, ammunition, and illicit drugs.”
He continued, “Among the arrests made were five murder suspects involved in the killing of Joshua Deme on his farm in Kassa village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Furthermore, we conducted a sting operation in Jagindi Tasha village, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, resulting in the arrest of Baba Yusuf Habu, a wanted kidnapper.”
The spokesperson further disclosed, “Troops also foiled a kidnapping attempt in Angwan Takai village, Bokkos LGA, following a prompt response to a distress call. In addition, we conducted raids in Gwash and Kamantan villages in Jos North and Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna states, recovering a pistol, cartridges, and rounds of 7.62mm special bullets.”
Captain James added, “One notorious armed robber, Mohammed Lawal, was apprehended in Kafanchan town, leading to the recovery of two fabricated rifles and one pistol. Moreover, troops intercepted a truck carrying vandalized railway tracks en route to Gidan Ado village, Riyom LGA, Plateau State.”
He also highlighted the arrest of a drug kingpin, Maxwell Dusu Davou, during a sting operation in Waye Foundation Du, Jos South LGA, where illicit substances were confiscated. Additionally, “a fighting patrol near the Alaghom and Mangu areas resulted in the neutralization of some bandits,” he said.
Captain James concluded by stating, “During this operation, a total of 17 arrests were made, nine kidnapping victims were rescued, six attempted armed robberies were foiled, and four attacks on vulnerable communities were prevented.”
OPSH assures residents of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna that maximum protection will continue to be provided, with prompt responses to all distress calls, in order to eliminate all criminal elements from these communities.
