Troops ‘kill four bandits’, arrest over 100 suspects in Plateau, Kaduna

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the special military task force charged with maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, have reportedly killed four suspected bandits.

In a statement on Monday, James Oya, media officer of the operation, said the bandits were neutralised from October 16 to October 22, adding that 120 others were arrested for various criminal acts within the period.

Oya said some of the  suspects were arrested for kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, gunrunning, possession of arms/ammunitions and possession of illicit drugs.

According to the statement, the troops, on October 18, arrested 16 suspects in connection with the murder of two women and on October 19, arrested two suspects, Mohammed Yusuf and Aliyu Adamu in connection with the isolated killing of one Yahaya Adamu at Kibul forest in Riyom LGA of Plateau state.

On October 20 the troops in conjunction with a vigilante group arrested one Bukam Daniel in connection with theft at Gol village in Bokkos LGA.

On October 21, the troops arrested one Yusuf Idris in Riyom LGA, for attempted murder.

“Additionally, on 17 October 2023, troops responded to kidnapping activities along Dangwa- Jagindi road in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State,” the statement reads.

“Troops’ timely response forced the criminals to abandon the mission and flee. However, own troops searched surrounding bushes and rescued 2 kidnapped victims, Abdulrazak Hassan and Mrs Salmatu Nuhu earlier kidnapped while on transit.

“On the same day, troops on fighting patrol around Sara high-ground, bordering Plateau and Bauchi States, rescued a kidnapped victim, Mallam Usman Saleh, who was abducted at Kayarda village in Mangu LGA. The victim has since been reunited with his family.

“Furthermore, on 20 October 2023, troops neutralised one bandit and rescued one kidnapped civilian, Mallam Dahiru Yahaya during a gun duel between own troops and bandits at Ruwan Dinya village.

“On 16 October 2023, troops of Sector 6 OPSH arrested 2 suspected cattle rustlers, Aminu Abdullahi and Yusuf Ibrahim at Rim village in Riyom LGA while on 17 October 2023, troops recovered 31 cows and 10 sheep at a high-ground at Matla village in Bokkos.

“The livestock were earlier rustled by unidentified criminals at Mangun village in Mangu LGA. Similarly, troops also recovered 24 cows at Kombul general area in Mangu LGA rustled by unknown miscreants on 18 October 2023.”