From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
In its bid to flush out bandits within Plateau and part of Kaduna States, Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested notorious gunrunners, bandits, and arms couriers and recovered arms as well as ammunition in several intelligence-driven operations carried out in Plateau and Kaduna States within the last one week.
A statement was signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Monday by the Media Information Officer Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom said, on the
On 21st June 2024, the troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in a suspected bandit’s hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to him, during the operation, the troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, this was in a combined operation with a sister security agency on 21st June 2024, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Riyom-Abuja Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, had earlier been tracked and arrested in Kano State on 20th June 2024.
According to him, further information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna, while making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State.
He stated that the Troops proceeded for a search operation in the home of the major gunrunner and recovered 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 3 Bajaj motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.
They appreciated the general public for furnishing security agencies with credible information leading to the massive recovery, and the public to continue to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring a crime-free environment.
