Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damisa IV have reportedly arrested 54 suspects in connection with kidnapping, farm destruction, and armed robbery.
A statement by Capt. Oya James, Information Officer, OPSH, said the troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and local hunters, neutralised five suspected kidnappers in Tahuwa community and recovered three AK-47 rifles, one SMG rifle, and 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The statement said that troops also carried out a sting operation across Plateau and Kaduna states, during which three kidnappers were arrested and a suspected bandit, Dauda Tahiru, was also arrested in connection with the last attack at Heipang village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
Also, troops tracked down and arrested a notorious gunrunner, Da Nyam, and one other at Kwang and Kafanchan communities of Jos South and Jama’a LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna states.
During the operation, according to the statement, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a DICON-graded AK-47 rifle with registration number 563706042, and a magazine.
He said that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
The statement also affirmed that troops conducted clearance operations at Alaghom village in Maijuju forest, Anguware hills, and Fofur general areas in Mangu LGA and recovered one motorcycle and one AK-47 rifle loaded with rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
OPSH said it also handed over suspects and a truckload of vandalised railway slippers to the Plateau State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further action.