Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State have arrested a total of 271 suspected criminals, including bandits operating in various locations in the state.
The Deputy Commander of Operation Safe Haven, DCP T. Iyua, made this known on Friday while addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Jos.
He also disclosed that a total of 110 different calibres of weapons and 1,161 ammunition were recovered from the suspected criminals.
Iyua said that the operations which resulted in the arrest of the criminals were carried out by the troops in the last two months.
He said, “On January 3, 2024, personnel responded to a distress call on the kidnap of one Emmanuel Monday Jafrom along Kaskara-Mangu road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victim was rescued and one of the kidnappers named Biliyaminu Musa captured.
“Equally, On January 4, 2024, security agencies stationed at Gashish junction checkpoint in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State arrested Mr Shamsu Ibrahim Bakoji, 45 years; for collaborating with militias to attack Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
“In another development, Operation Safe Haven in its efforts to ensure arrested suspects are brought to justice on January 8, 2024, arraigned four criminal suspects Dalek Rafan, Makut Danladi, Hussaini Isa and Ayuba Sati before the Chief Magistrate court Abattoir Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The suspects were charged with unlawful possession of weapons and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. Similarly, on 14 January 2024, personnel arrested two suspected gunrunners, Abubakar Adamu and Surajo Salisu at Gyanbar village in Wase Local Government Area and recovered one Beretta pistol, four rifles, one AK 47 rifle receiver cover with two cases of 7.62mm ammunition and filing machine.
“In summary, a total of 79 civilians were rescued from kidnappers and armed robbers, while a total of 110 different calibres of weapons were recovered and 1,161 ammunition recovered from suspected criminals.
“Security agencies also neutralized a total of 13 armed criminals and arrested 271 suspects for offences related to kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running, banditry, farm destruction, vandalism and other sundry crimes.
“So far, we have prosecuted a total of 33 arrested suspects to court and dismantled two arms fabrication factories. Also, personnel recovered a total of 554 livestock from rustlers.
