Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on the ongoing Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have arrested two members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State.
Media Information Officer OperatioN Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom in a statement issued Saturday said during the coordinated operation on 11 April 2025, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam arrested suspected ISWAP members identified as Abdulkadir Dalhatu 25 years-old and Ubaidu Hassan, 25 years-old posing as tailors.
He added that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspects were mandated by ISWAP Commander to use the cover of tailoring to facilitate the establishment of ISWAP bases in Plateau and Bauchi States.
Zhakom noted that the suspects are in custody for further action.
He said: “Additionally, on 11 April 2025, troops of Sector 4 OPSH conducted a follow-up operation at the hideout of a wanted criminal at Mazat Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
“During the operation, the suspect fled before troops arrived at the scene. However, troops searched the hideout and recovered 1 AK-47 rifle as well as 1 AK-47 magazine buried in the building.
“The recovered weapons are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to nab the fleeing criminal and also recover other weapons in his possession.”
Zhakom revealed that on 12 April, 2025, troops of Sector 2 OPSH acting on credible intelligence laid ambush against bandits along Road Pinau – Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
He stressed that during the operation, troops made contact and neutralised one bandit while others fled with possible gunshot injuries.
Zhakom said troops exploited the general area and recovered one fabricated pistol.
