Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN Rescue 18 Hostages, Record Significant Gains in Plateau, Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have made remarkable strides in their ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security in the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna States.
In a statement issued by the Military Information Officer, Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, on Thursday, the troops were commended for intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations along the Plateau-Taraba borders, particularly in Bangalala and Kinishi Forests spanning Wase and Karim Lamido Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The operations resulted in the elimination of several bandits, the destruction of criminal hideouts, and the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, who have been reunited with their families after proper documentation.
Five bandits were apprehended by Sector 5 troops in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA, with the recovery of three fabricated rifles, ammunition, and daggers. Another five bandits were intercepted in Jannaret, Mangu LGA, alongside a fabricated rifle and other items. A notorious kidnap kingpin was arrested in Jebbu Village, Bassa LGA. The suspect confessed to orchestrating numerous kidnappings across Plateau State.
A gunrunner was captured in Kanam LGA, with investigations ongoing to track his collaborators.
Other Recent Operations: Sector 5 troops arrested a gunrunning syndicate member in Bokkos LGA, recovering fabricated pistols and ammunition. Sector 7 troops apprehended two gunrunners in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, with additional seizures. Troops foiled a kidnapping attempt in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, arresting four suspects and recovering a Dane gun.
In Bokkos LGA, troops neutralized a suspected kidnapper and arrested an accomplice disguised as a POS operator. N200,000 in ransom money was also recovered during the operation.
Maj. Zhakom reiterated the military’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements in the JOA, emphasizing their dedication to protecting lives and property. He called on members of the public to support the troops by providing timely and credible intelligence.
