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Troops apprehend 13 suspected kidnappers, drug traffickers in Plateau, Kaduna

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damascus IV have arrested 13 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, prison break, cattle rustling, recovered arms and ammunition, and illicit drugs.

The OPSH, in a statement signed by its media information officer, Captain Oya James, pointed out that the suspected criminals were apprehended in its operational areas in Plateau State and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi.

According to the statement, three escapees, Chekirmak Tapir, Senmacong Tapir, and Swaroong Tapir, were apprehended at Barkin Ciyawa village in Qua’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It mentioned that the preliminary investigation carried out by the OPSH revealed that the suspects escaped from police custody in Mangu Local Government Area of the state, adding that the troop equally foiled an attempt by unidentified gunmen to attack Washina and Razak Villages in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

The statement further revealed that Operation SAFE HAVEN tactical team also arrested a notorious kidnapper, Buba Ibrahim, at Tilden Fulani Village in Toro LGA of Bauchi State and recovered one Baretta pistol, adding that the troops equally arrested two suspects planning to kidnap Mrs. Salama Ayuba, the owner of Confidence Health Centre at Fadan Karshi, Sanga Local Goverment Area of Kaduna State.

“The suspects were arrested at Gashish town in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Troops also arrested one Mr. Williams Seaman in connection with the attack on one Mr. Nanbak Ayuba by gunmen in his residence at Shorom village in Bokkos Local Government. During the arrest, troops recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 2 rounds, and 1 empty 9-mm case.

It added that two kidnapped victims were rescued along Road Magama-Angware at Shibiri village in Jos East Local Government Area. The troops deployed at FOB Sanga further conducted search operations in identified criminals’ hideouts at Angwan Mallam and Aboron Daji villages and surrounding high-grounds within the Sanga council area of Kaduna State and rescued two kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families.

In addition, the troops recovered a total of 279 cows and 6 sheep for farm destruction across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, and Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States, respectively, while suspected cattle rustler Yusuf Hamisu was also arrested at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

The OPSH therefore assured the people of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna of maximum protection and continued prompt response to all distress calls with a view to protecting lives and property, which remains paramount and foremost in the Forces’ mission mandate.

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