Soldiers rescue 18 kidnap victims, capture 10 terrorists across 2 states
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN have rescued 18 kidnap victims and arrested several other criminal elements including 10 terrorists in Plateau and Taraba.
Operation Safe Haven spokesman Major Zhakom who disclosed this in Plateau, said the operations, backed by robust non-kinetic engagements, focused on the borders between Plateau and Taraba, particularly around Bangalala and Kinishi forests in the past two months.
According to him, the crackdown led to the neutralisation of several terrorists, destruction of their life support structures, and recovery of several arms and ammunition.
Zhakom said the rescued victims, now reunited with their families, include 62-year-old Hassan Janyu from Mashinga Kirya in Karim Lamido Council in Taraba and 71-year-old Baba Sale from Lamawa in Wase Council in Plateau.
Besides the rescue operations, he added, troops on 27 December 2024 captured several terrorists, including notorious kidnap kingpin Musa Abubakar (also known as Haburuwa), who confessed to being responsible for kidnappings in Bassa and Jos South Councils in Plateau.
Other successes include the capture of alleged notorious gunrunner Mosaje – who allegedly coordinated the supply of weapons to a criminal syndicate – and recovery of arms and ammunition.
“In continuation of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property across the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN intensified offensive operations supported by robust non-kinetic engagements,” Zhakom narrated.
“Notably, the past two months witnessed intensive offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba States, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi Forests stretching across Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba States with positive outcomes.
“The operations led to the neutralisation of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures, a situation that mounted pressure on them leading to the recovery of 18 kidnapped victims.
“The released victims have been reunited with their families after profiling and documentation by relevant agencies.
“In another development, On 23 December 2024, troops of Sector 5 OPSH on Op GOLDEN PEACE captured five bandits at a criminal hideout at Tarangol in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Items recovered from the criminals include 3 fabricated rifles, 2 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 4 cartridges, and 2 daggers.
“Similarly, on 25 December 2024, troops on Op GOLDEN PEACE intercepted 5 bandits at Jannaret in Mangu LGA of Plateau State while attempting to cause mayhem in the general area. Troops recovered 1 fabricated rifle and 4 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) from the criminals. Suspects are in custody making useful confessions.
“Furthermore, on December 28, 2024, troops captured a notorious gunrunner, Mr Mosaje who coordinated activities of supplying weapons to a criminal syndicate at Dengi in Kanam LGA of Plateau State. The suspect is making useful confessions and efforts are in place to track and arrest his collaborators as well as recover their weapons.
“As part of efforts to ensure a successful celebration of the New Year, on 1 January 2025, troops of Sector 5 OPSH on Op GOLDEN PEACE captured a member of a gunrunning syndicate at New Layout in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
“Troops recovered 2 fabricated pistols, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), and 1 cartridge from the criminal. The captured suspect and recovered arms and ammunition are in custody for further action.
“On the same day, troops of Sector 7 OPSH on Op GOLDEN PEACE captured 2 suspected gunrunners at Angwan Rimi Checkpoint at Kafanchan in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Troops recovered 1 fabricated pistol, 1 round of 7.62 mm (Special), and 1 jack-knife from the suspects. Likewise,
“On January 3 2025, troops of FOB Sanga on Op GOLDEN PEACE foiled a kidnapping incident at Angwan Nungu Village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops captured 4 suspected kidnappers and recovered 1 Dane gun from the suspects.
“On 4 January 2025, troops of Sector 5 OPSH on Op GOLDEN PEACE lay in ambush at the hideout of a kidnappers’ collaborator disguised as a POS operator at Angwan Hausawa in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
“During the operation, the kidnappers approached the shop to collect ransom money paid by a victim to the collaborator’s account. However, the kidnappers tried to escape but one of them was neutralised.
“Additionally, troops arrested a teenager used by the kidnappers as an errand boy and recovered the cash sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000.00) from the suspect.
“Notwithstanding the notable feat, 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN is intensifying offensive operations in the general area to showcase the ability of security agencies to decimate threat elements through kinetic means.
“Security agencies remain totally committed to ensuring the security of lives and property within the JOA in line with operational mandates.
“Well-meaning members of the public are please enjoined to continue to support security agencies with timely intelligence to keep the states secured.”
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