Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised bandits and also arrested 59 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, railway vandalism, gunrunning, and illegal mining.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the arrests took place between October 9 and 16.
It said on 11 October 2023, troops neutralised a suspected bandit named Saidu, A.K.A Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, mobile phone, headset and some money.
The statement added that before the suspect was neutralised, he confessed to have bought the ammunition from one Usman in Bisichi.
It noted that troops also mobilised to the house but met his absence.
The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, five cartridges, one baofeng radio/charger, one woodland camouflage vest and one black trouser.
The statement reads: “Similarly on the same day, troops deployed at Qua’anpan Area Command neutralised one armed robber while others fled with bullet wounds during an armed robbery attack along Amingo- Lafia road in Qua’anpan local government area of Plateau State and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 Techno mobile phone and a pair of sccks.
“On 9 October 2023, troops engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village while moving to Ardo Kola village. Troops’ superior firepower forced the bandits to flee, with many sustaining high degree of gunshot wounds.
“Troops further exploited the area and rescued two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda, earlier kidnapped by the bandits.
“Troops recovered one mobile phone,one torchlight, 36 empty cases, some drugs, 5 blankets, 2 cooking pots, 3 gallons, 2 plates, 9 mats and other household items.”
It added that on 10th October 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar at Kwa village in Qua’anpan LGA.
It noted that the suspect was arrested with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special and one motorcycle.
It explained that preliminary investigation linked suspect to the recent kidnapping of an Accountant with Union Bank in Doemark general area.
On 12 October 2023, it said the troops of Sector 4 foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village in Barkin Ladi LGA and recovered one motorcycle.
It noted: “Additionally, OPSH tactical team arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Mamu Dauda and Mohammed Zakari, who have been on the wanted list of OPSH at Zango Urban in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
“While carrying out the operation, troops recovered one rifle, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one dagger and some amount of money.
“Troops also arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Aliyu Usman and Umar Babuga at Jagindi Tashe village in Jema’a LGA.