Troops arrest ‘39 bandits’, recover weapons in Plateau

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly arrested 39 suspected bandits operating in Plateau communities.

NAN reports that James Oya, spokesperson of operation Save Haven (OPSH), said the suspects were arrested in one week.

Oya said two suspected members of a militia gang involved in the recent attack on the Heipang community in Barkin Ladi LGA were also apprehended.

He said the gang invaded the community and killed about 21 persons on August 10, adding that the troops recovered arms and ammunition including illicit drugs from the suspects.

“The suspects were arrested at different locations within the Joint Operation Area of OPSH and the 3 division of the Nigerian Army’s area of responsibility,” he said.

“Two of the suspects had been on our wanted list for their involvement in several armed robberies and kidnappings.

“We recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action Magnum gun, one AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ‘special’ and a mobile phone from the suspects.

“Among the suspects is a kidnapper and arms dealer, who was captured at Kuba village in Bokkos local government area of Plateau.”

The OPSH spokesperson said the troops in a separate operation, arrested seven suspected drug peddlers and rescued 17 abducted persons in various areas of the state.

“Members of a drug syndicate operating in Bassa local government area of Plateau were also nabbed during a sting operation and seven peddlers were arrested with a large cache of drugs,” he added.

“Troops also impounded 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat and Mabel communities of Mangu and Bokkos local government areas, respectively.

“In the period under review, we responded to 37 distress calls and rescued 17 kidnapped victims.

“We also foiled many cattle rustling attempts and repelled attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom, all in Plateau.”

The OPSH spokesperson assured residents of the commitment of the troops to securing the lives and properties of citizens in the state.