From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
In a significant breakthrough against banditry in Plateau and Kaduna states, troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected bandit impersonating a soldier.
The suspect, dressed in military combat camouflage with the intent to deceive and rob unsuspecting members of the public, was apprehended at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State on Saturday, June 15, 2025, according to the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom.
Zhakom stated that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, seven empty cases of 7.62mm (Special), one fake vigilante identity card, one mobile phone, and two ATM cards from the suspect, who is now in custody for further investigation.
In a statement, Zhakom said, “In continuation of efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area of illicit arms and ammunition, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN intensified raids on gunrunners’ hideouts as part of ongoing Operation Lafiyan Jama’a with positive outcomes. Notably, on 15 June 2025, troops intercepted a suspected armed bandit at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. The arrested suspect was dressed in military combat camouflage with the intention of impersonating troops to attack passersby and rob unsuspecting members of the public.
“Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 7 empty cases of 7.62 mm (Special), one fake vigilante identity card, one mobile phone, and 2 ATM cards from the suspect. The suspect has been taken into custody for further action.”
In a separate operation in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, 2025, troops raided a notorious gunrunning syndicate’s hideout at Kwanar Lauje in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. Although the criminals fled before the troops arrived, a thorough search of the hideout yielded a cache of arms, including one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one AK-47 rifle butt, 300 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one round of 9mm, and two rounds of 23mm SHILKA mounted anti-aircraft gun ammunition. Troops also recovered one motorcycle abandoned by the criminals.
The recovered items are in custody, and troops are conducting follow-up operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Zhakom added: “Troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven will continue to maintain an aggressive posture against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area, with a view to frustrate their actions and get them arrested to face the full wrath of the law.”