Troops from Operation Safe Haven have arrested bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna States during a week-long operation. The soldiers raided a forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State and captured several suspects, including arms couriers.
The operation resulted in the recovery of various weapons. “On June 21, 2024, troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals from a suspected bandit hideout in Pandam Forest, Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State,” said Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven. “Troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines, and 75 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.”
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The troops also arrested two gunrunners after tracking them along the Abuja-Riyom road and in Manchok, Kaduna State. Zhakom explained, “In a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, 2024, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner on the Riyom-Abuja road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.”
He added that the first suspect was caught while attempting to deliver 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who had been arrested in Kano State on June 20, 2024. Information from the first suspect led to the arrest of a major arms supplier in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
“Troops found 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 3 Bajaj motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, and items suspected to be local charms during a search of the major gunrunner’s home,” Zhakom reported.
Zhakom praised the public for providing valuable information that led to the arrests and weapon recoveries. He encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies to maintain a crime-free environment.