Troops apprehend 10 bandits, 2 kidnappers, gunrunner in Plateau

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The Special Troops of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) deployed to halt the spate of killings in troubled communities in Mangu and Barakin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State have arrested ten suspected bandits, two kidnappers, and a notorious gunrunner.

Recall that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, last week launched a special troops code-named “Operation Hakorin Damisa IV” to ward off incessant attacks by insurgents terrorizing the affected local governments.

The Media Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Captain James Oya, said in a signed statement that the special troops on Wednesday along Rugan/Basiru village of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State came under fire from suspected bandits and professionally responded, forcing the bandits to retreat.

According to the statement, the troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles with Registration numbers 07873 and B-32134, 15 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, 3 locally fabricated guns, and a pair of military desert camouflage uniforms.

It pointed out that ten suspects were captured and are currently undergoing profiling, adding that the troops also thwarted an attempted attack on Mangun and Patlong villages in Mangu Local Government Area. The troops decisively responded, and scores of the bandits were neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement further said that the troops on Tuesday along roads Janneret, Washina Changal, and Gyambwas, all in Mangu LGA, responded to firing from suspected bandits who fled on sighting men of Operation Hakorin Damisa.

“Troops in the process recovered three motorcycles and one locally fabricated gun. Troops on the same day responded to a distress call at Rumfar Gwamna village and rescued five kidnapped victims while recovering Toyota Camry and Sharon cars. Troops also conducted operations at criminal hideouts at Unguwan Haruna, Kibam, and Dogon Daji forests and rescued four victims, while two suspected kidnappers were arrested.

“Also, on July 22, 2023, troops responded to a distress call at Makabat village in Bokkos, leading to the capture of two miscreants and the recovery of two locally fabricated rifles. Furthermore, 15 rustled cows were recovered by a Combat Team along the Fan District of Barkin-Ladi LGA, while 37 cows were arrested for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals in Shimlan and Barkin-Ladi villages.

The statement added that the troops captured a notorious gunrunner responsible for trafficking arms and ammunition in the North West and North Central during a sting operation leading to the recovery of one AK 47 Rifle and magazine at Soi village, Gidan Akwati Gashish District.

The Operation therefore appealed to all law-abiding citizens to continue giving credible and timely information to assist in prompt responses to security situations as they emerge.

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