91 suspected kidnappers arrested in Plateau, Southern Kaduna

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the military taskforce tasked with maintaining peace in Plateau State and Southern Kaduna, has reported significant success in Operation Hakorin Damisa IV. Over the past 10 days, they have apprehended 91 individuals suspected of various criminal activities including kidnapping, farm destruction, drug trafficking, and cattle rustling.

Captain Oya James, the Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, disclosed these developments in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Thursday.

He stated, “Troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) participating in Operation Hakorin Damisa IV conducted several operations from September 25 to October 4, 2023, resulting in the arrest of 91 criminal suspects. These individuals are connected to various crimes such as the kidnapping of University of Jos students, an attack on Takania Village, farm vandalism, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and cattle rustling, among other offenses.”

Captain Oya James revealed that two notorious kidnappers, Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, who had been on the OPSH’s wanted list, were apprehended in Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the July 2023 kidnapping of seven University of Jos (UNIJOS) students. The troops also seized an AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the suspects.

In another operation, Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass were arrested in connection with an attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, where six people were brutally murdered.

Additional arrests included Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, two notorious armed robbers and kidnappers apprehended in Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA, as well as the capture of Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, who were part of a notorious robbery syndicate operating along the Barkin Ladi–Mangu road in Barkin LGA. Additionally, the troops arrested an armed robbery gang leader, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar, at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Captain Oya James further reported that two suspected kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu, known as “Yellow,” were arrested at the Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State while attempting to collect a kidnapping ransom. Items recovered from these suspects included a cutlass, a knife, two mobile phones, and local charms.

Regarding cattle rustling, James noted, “During mobile operations in Bokkos LGA, troops arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori, in Gwandu village. The troops also thwarted a cattle rustling incident in Maiyanga village, Bassa LGA, rescuing 145 cows and returning them to their owners. This operation resulted in the recovery of three rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and three axes. In addition, 57 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands in Rim village, Riyom LGA.”

Captain Oya James went on to describe how troops successfully prevented kidnappings, rescued victims, and arrested suspects in various locations, including Ruku village in Barkin Ladi LGA, Jeisey village, Zangang Hill in Kaduna State, Jipun village in Mangu LGA, and Nimba forest in Riyom LGA. Additionally, the troops intercepted a truck carrying 720 bags of Urea fertilizer with fake clearance documents, resulting in the arrest of four individuals currently under interrogation.

Furthermore, a suspected cultist, Mafeng Gwott, was arrested at Legislative quarters in Jos North LGA, and a pistol loaded with 9mm special ammunition was seized. Finally, 67 individuals were apprehended in connection to violent activities around Bolari village, and seven locally fabricated rifles were recovered.

Major General A.E Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, expressed his gratitude to the residents of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna for their cooperation and urged them to continue providing actionable information to the troops as they work diligently to safeguard lives and property. He assured the residents that the arrested suspects would be promptly charged in court following thorough investigations.