According to a statement by the Military Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Zhakom, Troops of 3 Division in a successful Operation have continued to make significant progress in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
Through intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, the troops have recorded remarkable achievements, particularly along the Plateau-Taraba State borders.
These efforts, focused around Bangalala and Kinishi Forests spanning Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs, have led to the elimination of multiple bandits, the destruction of criminal structures, and the successful rescue of 18 kidnapped individuals.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families after proper documentation by relevant authorities.
Notable Arrests and Recoveries Include:
• Troops from Sector 5 apprehended five bandits in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA, and recovered 3 fabricated rifles, ammunition, and daggers.
• Another group of five bandits was intercepted in Jannaret, Mangu LGA, with the seizure of a fabricated rifle and other items.
• A notorious kidnap kingpin was arrested in Jebbu Village, Bassa LGA, and confessed to orchestrating numerous kidnappings across Plateau State.
• A gunrunner was captured in Kanam LGA, with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending his collaborators.
As part of sustained military efforts, troops achieved further successes during patrols and ambushes conducted at the start of the new year:
• Sector 5 troops apprehended a member of a gun running syndicate in Bokkos LGA, recovering fabricated pistols and ammunition. On the same day, Sector 7 troops arrested two gunrunners at Kafanchan in Kaduna State.
• Troops foiled a kidnapping attempt in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, capturing four suspects and recovering a Dane gun.
• In Bokkos LGA, troops neutralized a kidnapper and arrested an accomplice operating under the guise of a POS operator. The operation also led to the recovery of N200,000 ransom money.
Despite these accomplishments, 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN remains resolute in its mission to maintain pressure on criminal elements across the JOA.
Security forces reaffirm their dedication to protecting lives and property and urge the public to provide timely intelligence to support ongoing operations.
