91 criminal suspects have been detained in the previous 10 days, according to the military team Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), which is in charge of Operation Hakorin Damisa IV and is tasked with keeping peace in Southern Kaduna and Plateau State.
The suspects were allegedly detained for offences such livestock rustling, agricultural devastation, kidnapping, and farm destruction, among others.
In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Thursday, Captain Oya James, the media information officer for Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), revealed this.
According to what he said, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damisa IV during several operations launched from 25 September to 4 October 2023 have arrested 91 criminal suspects in connection with the kidnapping of University of Jos students, attack on Takania Village, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug dealing, and cattle rustling, among other crimes.”
Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, two infamous kidnappers who had been on the OPSH’s wanted list, were reportedly apprehended in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) at the Mista Ali village.
“During questioning, the suspects claimed they were responsible for the July 2023 kidnapping of 7 University of Jos (UNIJOS) students.
One AK-47 weapon that is loaded with 12 7.62mm special bullets is among the items taken from the accused.
“The brave troops acting on credible information also detained Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in relation to the attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State where six people were murdered in cold blood,” he continued.
The troops also detained two infamous armed robbers/kidnappers, Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, at Kok Village in Barkin Ladi LGA, as well as two armed robbery gang leaders, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar and Manu Sale, who operated along Barkin Ladi-Mangu Road in Barkin LGA.
At the Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State, troops detained two alleged kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu, a.k.a. Yellow, who were attempting to collect kidnapping ransom.
One cutlass, a knife, two smartphones, and regional charms were found on the suspects.
Regarding cow rustling, James stated, “While conducting mobile operations, troops in Bokkos LGA detained Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori, two individuals suspected of engaging in cattle rustling, near the Gwandu hamlet.
The soldiers also prevented a livestock rustling incidence from happening in Maiyanga village in Bassa LGA and saved 145 animals, which they then returned to their owners.
Troops found three weapons, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and three axes during the operation.
“In addition, 57 cows were detained at Rim village in Riyom LGA for grazing on farmlands.”
Further, “Troops foiled an attempt to kidnap Hon Magai Peter in his home in Ruku village in Barkin Ladi LGA and another victim in Jeisey village.
“Kidnappers were forced to abort their goal and flee after coming into contact with troops who had superior weapons.
Two Bajaj Boxers motorcycles were among the items found.
At Zangang Hill in Kaura village, Kaduna State, troops also freed two kidnapped victims, Miss Silva Hassan and Salvation Obadiah.
Seven farmers were also saved from suspected militias at Jipun village in the Pushit district of Mangu LGA while harvesting crops in their land. Ibrahim Isah, a key suspect, was however the only person detained in relation to the incident. One Bukar Kaigama was saved by the army from kidnappers while they were at Nimba jungle in Riyom LGA.
“Troops also stopped a truck carrying 720 bags of urea fertiliser that was in possession of forged clearance papers. Four people who were inside the truck were detained and are now being questioned.
“In a related event, troops also detained Mafeng Gwott, a suspected cultist, at the legislative complex in Jos North LGA and found a gun that was loaded with 9mm special ammunition.
In addition, 67 people were detained in connection with violent crimes committed near Bolari village, and seven locally made firearms were also found.
Major General A.E. Abubakar, who is in charge of the OPSH, praised Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna citizens for the cooperation they have thus far shown and urged them to continue giving troops useful information as they steadfastly fight to preserve lives and property.
He gave the locals his word that following an inquiry, the suspects who had been apprehended would be charged in court.
