By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Special Military Task Force codenamed Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), in Plateau State, have arrested two suspected kidnappers who are also involved in armed robbery and have been on the wanted list of the taskforce.
The suspects were arrested among 37 other criminals making a total number of 39 suspects apprehended by troops of the OPSH, a statement from the Spokesman of the taskforce, Capt James Oya, said on Tuesday.
“The suspects were arrested at different locations within the Joint Operation Area of Operation Safe Haven and 3 Division Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility”, Oya informed.
“Two of the suspects have been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robbery and kidnapping activities”, the taskforce Spokesman narrated.
“They were arrested under the special Operation Hakorin DAMISA IV, from 14 to 21 August 2023 in connection with banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, as troops also recovered arms/ammunition and hard drugs”, he said.
He continued: “Troops recovered 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 pump-action magnum gun, 1 AK 47 Magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special and an itel mobile phone from the suspects.
“A suspected kidnapper and arms dealer was also captured at Kuba village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
“Similarly, troops arrested 2 militia gang members identified to be among those who attacked the Heipang general area recently and recovered 2 x AK 47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles and 4 pump action cartridges during the operations.
“A drug syndicate operating in Bassa LGA was also nabbed during a sting operation and 7 drug peddlers arrested with a large cache of drugs.
“Additionally, troops arrested a total of 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat Community and Mabel village of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs respectively.
“Furthermore, a total of 37 distress calls were prompted and responded to by OPSH within the period leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims, foiling of cattle rustling and repelling of attacks on vulnerable communities especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs”, the statement reads
