Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested 91 suspects during several operations launched between September 25 and October 4, 2023 Plateau, Bauchi amd Kaduna States.
The Troops are of the Special Taskforce deployed to maintain Peace in Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna.
The suspects arrested include those who carried out the kidnap of 7 University of Jos Students, attack on Takania Village, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug peddling and cattle rustling among other crimes.
A statement by OPSH Information officer Captain James Oya, said notorious kidnappers, Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman who had been on wanted list of the special Taskforce were arrested at Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to Oya the suspects during interrogation narrated that they were involved in the kidnapping of 7 students of University of Jos (UNIJOS) in July 2023. He added that items recovered from them include one AK 47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special.
Oya further explained that the gallant troops acting on credible information also arrested one Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection to the attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State where six persons were murdered in cold blood.
He said the troops also arrested two suspected kidnappers Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu a.k.a Yellow at Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State while trying to collect kidnap ransom and recovered 1 cutlass, knife, 2 mobile phones and local charms from them.
Other arrests made by the troops include two armed robbers/kidnappers Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA. Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, members of a robbery syndicate, operating along road Barkin Ladi – Mangu in Barkin LGA were also arrested alongside another armed robbery gang leader, Shaibu Abubakar at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
The statement said: “The Troops also intercepted a truck carrying 720 bags of Urea fertilizer with fake clearance documents with its occupant, two herders in connection with willful destruction of farmland at Gyero general area whilst rescuing a herder, Sani Mahmuda who was earlier declared missing at Kwonga village in Jos East and 7 other farmers from their abductors.”
Additionally, 67 persons were arrested in connection to violent activities around Bolari village and 7 locally fabricated rifles were recovered according to the statement.
Oya said the OPSH Commander, Major General AE Abubakar appreciated the people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna for the cooperation they give to the security forces and urged them to continue providing actionable information to troops in order to better secure lives and property.
