Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damascus IV have arrested 91 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, farm destruction, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and drug peddling, among other crimes.
The OPSH, in a statement signed by its media information officer, Captain Oya James, said the arrests were made from September 25th to October 4th, 2023, adding that those arrested included kidnappers of the University of Jos students in July this year.
It pointed out that the notorious kidnappers, Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, who have been on the wanted list of OPSH, were arrested at Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The statement added that the suspects during interrogation, narrated that they were involved in the kidnapping of seven students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in July 2023. Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm Special.
The OPSH also disclosed that its troop, acting on credible information, also arrested Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection with the attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, where six people were murdered in cold blood.
“The troops also arrested two notorious armed robbers/kidnappers, Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA, while Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, notorious robbery syndicates operating along the road from Barkin Ladi to Mangu in Barkin LGA, were also arrested alongside an armed robbery gang leader, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar, at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
“Similarly, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu, a.k.a. Yellow, at the Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State while trying to collect kidnap ransom. Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass, a knife, two mobile phones, and local charms.
“While on mobile operations, troops at Bokkos LGA arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori, at Gwandu village in Bokkos LGA. The troops also foiled a cattle rustling incident at Maiyanga village in Bassa LGA, rescued 145 cows, and handed them over to the owners.
“During the operation, troops recovered 3 rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 3 axes. Additionally, 57 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands at Rim Village in Riyom LGA.
“Furthermore, troops thwarted an attempt to kidnap one Hon Magai Peter in his residence at Ruku village in Barkin Ladi LGA and another victim at Jeisey village. Troops’ superior firepower during their encounter with the kidnappers forced them to abandon their mission and flee. Items recovered included two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles.
“Troops also rescued two kidnapped victims, Miss Silva Hassan and Salvation Obadiah, at Zangang Hill, Kaura village in Kaduna State. Also, 7 farmers were rescued at Jipun village, Pushit district of Mangu LGA, from suspected militias while harvesting crops on their farms. However, one prime suspect, Ibrahim Isah, was arrested in connection with the incident.
“While at Nimba Forest in Riyom LGA, one Bukar Kaigama was rescued from kidnappers by the troops. Troops also intercepted a truck carrying 720 bags of urea fertilizer with fake clearance documents. Four occupants of the truck were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation,” OPSH disclosed.
It further pointed out that the troops arrested two herders in connection with the willful destruction of farmland in the Gyero general area while rescuing a herder, Sani Mahmuda, who was earlier declared missing at Kwonga village in Jos East.
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