On Tuesday, the peacekeeping troops overseeing security in Plateau State reported significant achievements. The special military Taskforce disclosed that over the past week, they neutralized seven bandits and apprehended 33 others in various operations spanning both Plateau State and parts of neighboring Kaduna State.
Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for the Military Taskforce, revealed these developments in a statement released on Tuesday.
James highlighted that aside from these actions, the troops successfully rescued 15 kidnap victims and thwarted attacks in three vulnerable communities within the stated period.
Specific incidents included the arrest of Mr. Suleiman Mohammed on November 13, 2023, in the Bakin Kogi area of Zangon Kataf LGA in Kaduna State. Mohammed was found in possession of an AK 47 rifle and a mobile phone based on intelligence received by the troops.
Furthermore, on the same date, troops also detained five suspects linked to a criminal assault on Mr. Sati Pewat at his farm in Tileng Paat village, Mangu LGA in Plateau State.
Another operation conducted on November 14, 2023, at Tileng Paat village in Pushit district of Mangu LGA, Plateau State, resulted in the arrest of one Umurana Adamu, who was found carrying an AK 47 rifle, one magazine, and 9 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Similarly, on 14 November 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a suspected arms dealer, Mr Rufai Abdullahi at Kamuru area in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 14 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with bandits at Kachallah high-ground and engaged them with superior firepower resulting in the neutralisation of 6 bandits while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Troops further explored the area and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 2 magazines, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special, one motorcycle, 2 Tecno phones, 2 packs of cigarettes, 56 rounds of 7.62mm Special, and 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
“In another development, On 14 November 2023, troops neutralised a suspected bandit, Musa Wada during a search operation at Kondo village. Additionally, on 14 November 2023, troops responded to information on a planned attack by suspected militias on Tileng Paat village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops’ timely response averted the attack and the area was subsequently dominated by patrol.
“In all, between 13 to 20 November 2023, a total of 33 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes within the last week. Five were arrested for kidnapping, 6 for dealing in arms, 2 for murder, 4 for railway vandalism, and 2 for farm destruction, while 7 bandits were neutralised. Additionally, 15 kidnapped victims were rescued, 3 attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred and 8 distress calls were promptly responded to,” the statement read.
The statement reiterated the commitment of Operation Safe Haven led by its Commander, Major General AE Abubakar, and other security agencies to the protection of law-abiding citizens in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States by all legitimate means.
