By Milcah Tanimu

In the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in Plateau State, the special military task force has reported significant achievements, including the neutralization of seven bandits and the arrest of 33 others in operations conducted across Plateau and parts of neighboring Kaduna State.

Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for the Military Taskforce, released a statement on Tuesday highlighting the successful operations. The troops also rescued 15 kidnap victims and thwarted attacks in three vulnerable communities during the same period.

According to James, on November 13, 2023, acting on a tip-off, troops arrested Mr. Suleiman Mohammed in possession of an AK-47 rifle and a mobile phone in the Bakin Kogi area, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Additionally, on the same day, five suspects were apprehended in connection with a criminal attack on Mr. Sati Pewat’s farm at Tileng Paat village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

On November 14, 2023, troops conducted a raid operation at Tileng Paat village in Pushit district of Mangu LGA, Plateau State, arresting one Umurana Adamu in possession of an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 9 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The statement detailed other successful operations, including the neutralization of six bandits at Kachallah high-ground on November 14, with recovered weapons and items. Additionally, a suspected bandit, Musa Wada, was neutralized during a search operation at Kondo village on the same day.

Between November 13 and 20, 2023, a total of 33 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including kidnapping, dealing in arms, murder, railway vandalism, and farm destruction. The commitment of Operation Safe Haven to protecting law-abiding citizens in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States was reiterated in the statement.