As part of ongoing efforts to secure the harvest season and ensure a peaceful yuletide within the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, acting under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, executed a targeted raid on identified criminal hideouts in the Rafiki General Area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The operation, conducted on December 10, 2024, achieved remarkable success with the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpins and the recovery of a significant ammunition cache.
During the operation, security forces apprehended some key suspects. A thorough search of their hideout uncovered 439 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, cleverly concealed in a 4-liter engine oil container.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects posed as transporters to secretly deliver ammunition to bandits operating in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.
The arrested suspects are cooperating with authorities and providing valuable information. Follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons and ammunition.
3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property within the Joint Operations Area.
This dedication aligns with the objectives of Operation GOLDEN PEACE, bolstered by the deployment of critical combat enablers recently provided by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and COAS to enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in Plateau State.
Members of the public are urged to support security agencies by providing timely and accurate intelligence to help eliminate criminal activities within the area.
SAMSON NANTIP ZHAKOM
Major
Military Information Officer
Operation SAFE HAVEN
