Troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, Rukuba, near Jos, apprehended 18 alleged kidnappers, bandits, and gunrunners in Plateau and parts of Kaduna state.
The OPSH’s Media Officer, Maj. Samson Zhakom, announced this during a news briefing on Thursday in Jos, adding that the operation led to the rescue of 18 captives in a forest near the Plateau-Taraba border villages.
According to the media officer, the arrest occurred as a result of an operation conducted between December 2024 and January 4.
“In continuation of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property across the joint operation area, our troops intensified offensive operations supported by robust non-kinetic engagements.
“Notably, the past two months witnessed intensive and offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba state, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi forests around Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba state.
“The operations led to the neutralisation of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures.
“The move mounted pressure on the criminals leading to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims who have been reunited with their families after profiling and documentation by relevant agencies.
“Troops have also neutralised some bandits and arrested some suspects in some parts of Southern Kaduna,” he said
Zhakom further stated that the troops discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition and demolished numerous criminal hideouts.
He urged Plateau and Kaduna residents to help in efforts to put an end to the rising number of instabilities recorded in the area.