Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Rukuba have apprehended two suspected kidnappers in Plateau State.
This was disclosed by Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Jos, the state capital.
According to Zhakom, the arrests were made on December 10 during a special operation codenamed Operation Golden Peace in the Rafiki area of Bassa Local Government Area.
“A thorough search at the hideout of the kidnap kingpin led to the recovery of 439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition concealed in a 4-litre engine oil container,” Zhakom revealed.
The suspects, identified as Mohammed Musa (a.k.a Mamman) and his accomplice, Mallam Alhassan Samaila, allegedly disguised as transporters to smuggle ammunition to bandits in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.
The operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, to ensure a peaceful Yuletide and harvest season in the state.
Zhakom further stated that the suspects are cooperating with authorities, providing useful information to aid ongoing follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network.
He reassured Plateau residents of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.