In furtherance of efforts to guarantee the security of lives and property across the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven have intensified offensive operations, complemented by robust non-kinetic engagements. Notably, the past 2 months have 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 operations culminated in the neutralization of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures, a development that increased pressure on them and led to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims.
The kidnapped victims that were rescued are:
a. Saidu Ibrahim – 68 years old from Mashinga Kirya in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
b. Hassan Janyu – 62 years old from Mashinga Kirya in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
c. Baba Sale – 71 Years old from Lamawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
d. Abdullahi Sabo – 69 years old from Lamawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
e. Mallam Yahaya – 67 years old from Lamawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
f. Usman Haliru – 70 years old from Mashingin Kirya in Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
g. Yahaya Talau – 40 years old from Kukawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
h. Ali Kaka – 39 years old from Kukawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
i. Jala Garba – 50 years old from Zurak in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
j. Musa Yaya – 25 years old from Kukawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
k. Hayyu Ari – 45 years old from Kukawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
l. Garba Ya’u – 35 years old from Kukawa in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
m. Idi Usman – 18 years old from Zak in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
n. Saadu Usman – 15 years old from Zak in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
o. Abdullahi Ango – 35 years old from Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
p. Auwalu Bello – 21 years old from Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
q. Muhammadu Bello – 75 years old from Gusau in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.
r. Miss Hauwau Buba – 17 years old from Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
After profiling and documentation by relevant agencies, the released victims have been successfully reunited with their families.
On 23rd December 2024, troops from Sector 5 OPSH, engaged in “Operation Golden Peace”successfully apprehended five bandits at a secret hideout in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Items recovered from the apprehended criminals included three fabricated rifles, two rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), four cartridges, and two daggers. In a similar vein, on 25 December 2024, troops conducting Operation GOLDEN PEACE intercepted five bandits at Jannaret in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, thwarting their attempt to cause mayhem in the area. The troops recovered one fabricated rifle and four rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) from the criminals. The suspects are currently in custody, making useful confessions.
On 27 December 2024, troops apprehended a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mr Musa Abubakar (also known as Haburuwa), at Jebbu Village in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. The suspect confessed to being responsible for kidnappings in Bassa and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State. Moreover, on 28 December 2024, troops captured a notorious gunrunner, Mr Mosaje, who coordinated the supply of weapons to a criminal syndicate at Dengi in Kanam LGA of Plateau State. The suspect is making useful confessions, and efforts are in place to track and arrest his collaborators, as well as recover their weapons.
As part of efforts to guarantee a peaceful new year celebration, on 1 January 2025, Sector 5 OPSH troops on Op GOLDEN PEACE captured a gunrunning syndicate member at New Layout in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. The troops confiscated 2 fabricated pistols, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and 1 cartridge from the suspect. The captured suspect and recovered arms and ammunition are in custody for further action. On the same day, Sector 7 OPSH troops on Op GOLDEN PEACE captured 2 suspected gunrunners at Angwan Rimi Checkpoint at Kafanchan in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. The troops recovered 1 fabricated pistol, 1 round of 7.62 mm (Special) and 1 jack knife from the suspects. Likewise, on 3 January 2025, FOB Sanga troops on Op GOLDEN PEACE foiled a kidnapping incident at Angwan Nungu Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, the troops captured 4 suspected kidnappers and recovered 1 Dane gun from the suspects.
On 4th January 2025, troops from Sector 5 OPSH conducting Operation GOLDEN PEACE laid an ambush at the hideout of a kidnappers’ collaborator disguised as a POS operator at Angwan Hausawa in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, the kidnappers approached the shop to collect ransom money paid by a victim to the collaborator’s account. However, the kidnappers tried to escape but one of them was neutralized. Additionally, troops arrested a teenager used by the kidnappers as an errand boy and recovered the cash sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) from the suspect.
Notwithstanding the notable feat, 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN is intensifying offensive operations in the general area to showcase the ability of security agencies to decimate threat elements through kinetic means. Security agencies remain totally committed to ensuring the security of lives and property within the JOA in line with operational mandates. Well-meaning members of the public are please enjoined to continue to support security agencies with timely intelligence to keep the states secured.
Despite achieving this notable milestone, the Media Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom while parading the suspects and arms recovered hinted that 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven is stepping up its offensive operations in the general area to demonstrate the capacity of security agencies to neutralize threats through military action.
Security agencies remain unwaveringly committed to ensuring the security of lives and property within the Joint Operation Area, as mandated.
The public is kindly requested to continue providing security agencies with timely intelligence to maintain the security of the states.
count | 42
