By John Ogunsemore
Troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven have apprehended notorious kidnap kingpins and recovered a significant ammunition cache in the Rafiki General Area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Military Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom disclosed this in a Wednesday statement.
The military spokesman said troops executed a targeted raid on identified criminal hideouts as part of ongoing efforts to secure the harvest season and ensure a peaceful yuletide within the Joint Operations Area.
He said the operation was conducted on Tuesday, December 10.
“During the operation, security forces apprehended some key suspects. A thorough search of their hideout uncovered 439 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, cleverly concealed in a 4-litre engine oil container.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects posed as transporters to secretly deliver ammunition to bandits operating in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara States,” the statement reads in part.
Zhakom said the arrested suspects are cooperating with authorities and providing valuable information.
He added that follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons and ammunition.
He said the 3 Division /Operation Safe Haven remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property within the Joint Operations Area.
“This dedication aligns with the objectives of Operation Golden Peace, bolstered by the deployment of critical combat enablers recently provided by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and COAS to enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in Plateau State.
“Members of the public are urged to support security agencies by providing timely and accurate intelligence to help eliminate criminal activities within the area,” the military spokesman added.