Kehinde Fajobi
Troops from the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have successfully rescued 18 kidnapped victims across Plateau, Zamfara, and Taraba States.
The victims were reunited with their families following intensive operations in the affected areas.
The rescued individuals include Saidu Ibrahim, Hassan Janyu, and Usman Haliru from Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, as well as others from Wase LGA in Plateau and Gusau LGA in Zamfara.
Major Samson Zhakom, the Military Information Officer for OpSH, confirmed the successful operation, highlighting the significant efforts that led to the recovery of these individuals.
Zhakom noted, “The past two months witnessed intensive offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba States, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi Forests stretching across Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba States with positive outcomes.”
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of several suspected bandits, with a series of successful arrests.
On December 23, 2024, troops captured five bandits at a criminal hideout in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA, recovering three fabricated rifles, two rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, four cartridges, and two daggers.
Further operations on December 25 intercepted five bandits in Mangu LGA, leading to the recovery of additional weapons.
On December 27, 2024, troops arrested notorious kidnap kingpin Musa Abubakar (AKA Haburuwa) in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. He admitted to masterminding kidnappings in the region.
Additionally, a gunrunner named Mosaje was arrested on December 28 in Kanam LGA, and efforts are underway to apprehend his associates and recover their weapons.
The operations continued into the new year, with more arrests made. On January 1, 2025, a gunrunning syndicate member was captured in Bokkos LGA, leading to the seizure of two fabricated pistols and ammunition.
Another two suspected gunrunners were arrested in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, on the same day.
On January 3, 2025, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt at Angwan Nungu Village, Sanga LGA in Kaduna, arresting four suspects and recovering a Dane gun.
The most recent operation occurred on January 4, when troops ambushed a kidnappers’ collaborator posing as a POS operator in Bokkos LGA.
One of the kidnappers was neutralized, and a teenager involved was arrested, with ₦200,000 recovered from the suspect.
These successful operations underline the commitment of the military to combat insecurity in the region, restore peace, and protect innocent civilians from criminal elements.