Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) said they have neutralized two kidnappers and apprehended suspected gunrunners in ongoing operations across Plateau and Kaduna states.
The operations, part of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, was also said to have led to the recovery of arms and ammunition.
On March 12, 2025, according to the statement made available to media practitioners on Thursday, by the Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, troops launched an offensive in Kuru and Turu areas of Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, targeting criminal hideouts.
In the ensuing encounter, two kidnappers were neutralized, and security forces recovered 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) and nine rounds of 5.56x45mm ammunition.
“The same day, troops set up snap checkpoints along Bokkos- Bot- Mangu road, in Bokkos LGA, acting on intelligence regarding arms smuggling. During the operation, 21 years old Sengi David a suspected gunrunner from Kopal Village in Mangu LGA, was arrested with an AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.He remains in custody for further investigation” , troops stated.
In a related development, troops conducted a sting operation on March 11, 2025, leading to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and gunrunner, 22 years old Blessed Paul in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State.
The suspect, who had been evading security forces by hiding in Abuja, was lured into a trap with the promise of selling an AK-47 rifle for N1.5 million
Upon his arrest, troops were said to have recovered one AK-47 riffle, one magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
Paul, according to the statement, is currently providing intelligence to help dismantle the criminal network.
Meanwhile, on March 12, 2025, troops successfully rescued two abducted girls from a kidnapper’s hideout on the outskirts of Josho Village, Bokkos LGA.
The victims, 11 years old Nanbam Adamu and Docas Wantu, were said to have been abandoned by their captors who fled upon sighting the advancing troops. The rescued girls have since been reunited with their families, while troops continue operations to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
The troops reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring security and urge the public to provide credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.