Troops kill five people and arrest 52 others in Plateau, Kaduna

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops on Operation Hakorin Damisa IV are said to have apprehended 54 criminals in connection with kidnapping, farm devastation, and armed robbery.

According to Capt. Oya James, OPSH Information Officer, the forces, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local hunters, neutralized five suspected kidnappers in Tahuwa and confiscated three AK-47 rifles, one SMG rifle, and 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

According to the statement, troops also conducted a sting operation in Plateau and Kaduna states, during which three kidnappers were apprehended and a suspected bandit, Dauda Tahiru, was apprehended in connection with the most recent attack in Heipang village, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.

In addition, troops apprehended a notorious gunrunner, Da Nyam, and another person in the Jos South and Jama’a LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna states.

According to the statement, forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a DICON-graded AK-47 rifle with registration number 563706042, and a magazine during the operation.

He said that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.

The statement also affirmed that troops conducted clearance operations at Alaghom village in Maijuju forest, Anguware hills, and Fofur general areas in Mangu LGA and recovered one motorcycle and one AK-47 rifle loaded with rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

OPSH said it also handed over suspects and a truckload of vandalised railway slippers to the Plateau State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further action.