Army Operation Yields Multiple Arrests, Recoveries, and Neutralizations
In a resounding success, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) carried out Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from August 21 to 28, 2023, resulting in the apprehension of 17 criminal suspects.
The operation, aimed at combating murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
The operation’s successes included the arrest of five murder suspects responsible for the killing of Mr. Joshua Deme on his farm in Kassa village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Additionally, in a well-executed sting operation at Jagindi Tasha village, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, OPSH apprehended Mr. Baba Yusuf Habu, a suspected kidnapper who had long been on the wanted list.
Further highlighting the operation’s effectiveness, a kidnapping attempt was thwarted at Angwan Takai village in Bokkos LGA due to the swift response of the troops to a distress call. Notably, criminal hideouts at Gwash and Kamantan villages in Plateau and Kaduna States were raided, resulting in the recovery of one pistol, cartridges, and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Among those captured was a notorious armed robber, Mohammed Lawal, in Kafanchan town, along with the confiscation of two fabricated rifles and one pistol.
Additionally, troops intercepted a truck, registration number EKY617XF, which was transporting vandalized railway tracks along the road in Gidan Ado village, Riyom LGA, Plateau State, contributing to efforts to curb rail line vandalism.
A significant achievement in the operation was the apprehension of a drug kingpin, Maxwell Dusu Davou, during a sting operation conducted at Waye Foundation Du in Jos South LGA. Substances suspected to be illicit drugs were recovered.
The operation’s scope also extended to a fighting patrol around the Alaghom and Mangu axis, leading to the neutralization of several bandits. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and another fabricated rifle in the process. Moreover, the troops managed to arrest over 237 cows, which had been involved in farm destruction and cattle rustling activities, particularly within the Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Fas, and Riyom areas.
During the operational period, a total of 17 arrests were made, with nine victims successfully rescued from kidnappers. Furthermore, the troops thwarted six armed robbery attempts and prevented four attacks on vulnerable communities.