Operation Safe Haven arrest man for allegedly killing police officer in Plateau

Troops from Operation Safe Haven apprehend Yakubu Shanano for the alleged murder of a mobile police officer in Plateau State. The incident occurred in Bokkos Local Government Area, where the officer, attached to the military task force for peacekeeping, lost his life.

Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for the Military Taskforce, confirmed Shanano’s arrest along with 14 other suspects engaged in various criminal activities, including kidnapping and drug trafficking. The arrests took place during Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, conducted from November 6 to 13, 2023.

The statement released by Captain Oya James reported, “During this operation, troops arrested 15 suspects linked to offenses such as kidnapping, murder, arms dealing, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, drug peddling, and farm destruction. Additionally, arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs were recovered.”

On November 6, 2023, troops apprehended Jerome Bulus Alamba and Denis Yohanna in Fang village, Riyom LGA, in connection with the murder of Abdulkarim Saidu on October 24, 2023. On November 7, 2023, Alhaji Yakubu Shanono was arrested in Bokkos community for the killing of a Mobile Police personnel attached to OPSH.

Furthermore, troops seized 75 cows on November 7 for farm destruction in Kassa village, Barkin Ladi LGA. On November 8, a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Pankshin Command targeted illicit drug peddlers at Bargar village, Kanam LGA. Four suspects were arrested and handed over to the NDLEA.

The statement emphasized the commitment of Operation Safe Haven, led by Major General AE Abubakar, to safeguarding law-abiding citizens in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi states through legitimate means. It expressed gratitude for the public’s ongoing support and assured that all detained suspects would face appropriate legal action once investigations concluded.