Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested 91 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping of University of Jos Students, attack on Takania village, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug peddling and cattle rustling amongst others.
In a statement issued Thursday, The army said notorious kidnappers; Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman who have been on the wanted list of OPSH were arrested at Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
It said the suspects during interrogation narrated that they were involved in the kidnapping of 7 students of University of Jos in July 2023.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK 47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special.
It said: “Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV during several operations launched from 25 September to 4 October 2023 have arrested 91 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping of University of Jos Students, attack on Takania Village, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug peddling and cattle rustling amongst others.”
The statement added that the gallant troops acting on credible information also arrested Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection to the attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State where six persons were murdered in cold blood.
It noted: “The troops also arrested two notorious armed robbers/kidnappers Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA while Manu Sale and Amir Shaba a notorious robbery syndicates operating along road Barkin Ladi – Mangu in Barkin LGA were also arrested alongside an armed robbery gang leader, Mr Shaibu Abubakar at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
“Similar, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu a.k.a Yellow at Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State while trying to collect kidnapp ransome. Items recovered from the suspects include 1 cutlass, knife, 2 mobile phones and local charms.”
The statement further said that while on mobile operations, troops at Bokkos LGA arrested two suspected cattle rustlers Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori at Gwandu village in Bokkos LGA.
It noted that the troops also foiled a cattle rustling incident at Maiyanga village in Bassa LGA and rescued 145 cows and handed them over to the owners.
It said during the operation, troops recovered 3 rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 3 axes.
It noted: “Additionally, 57 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands at Rim village in Riyom LGA. Furthermore, troops thwarted an attempt to kidnap one Hon Magai Peter in his residence at Ruku village in Barkin Ladi LGA and another victim at Jeisey village.
“Troops’ superior fire power during encounter with the kidnappers forced them to abandon their mission and flee. Items recovered included 2 Bajaj Boxers motorcycles.
“Troops also rescued two kidnapped victims, Miss Silva Hassan and Salvation Obadiah at Zangang Hill, Kaura village in Kaduna State. Also, 7 farmers were rescued at Jipun village, Pushit district of Mangu LGA from suspected militias while harvesting crops in their farms.
“However, one prime suspect, Ibrahim Isah was arrested in connection with the incident. While at Nimba forest in Riyom LGA, one Bukar Kaigama was rescued from kidnappers by the troops.
“Troops also intercepted a truck carrying 720 bags of Urea fertilizer with fake clearance documents. Four occupants of the truck were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.”