Soldiers defeat bandits to rescue hostages who have been kidnapped
During the period of October 9 to 16, troops involved in Operation SAFE HAVEN observed the defeat of bandits and armed robbers, the apprehension of many suspects, the retrieval of weapons and ammunition, and the conviction of multiple offenders in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi State.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement made public on Tuesday through its X account, described the operation as “HAKORIN DAMISA IV,” emphasizing that the forces prevented attacks, freed hostages, and arrested suspects engaged in a range of illegal activities.
“Troops neutralised a suspected bandit named Saidu AKA Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, mobile phone, headset and some money,” the statement stated regarding the neutralisation of suspected bandits.
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Two kidnapped citizens, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda, were rescued by the soldiers after they “also engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village,” the report stated.
The statement on the capture of infamous kidnappers continued, “acting on credible information, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar,” who was connected to the recent abduction of an accountant for Union Bank.
The release also stated that two alleged kidnappers, Mohammed Zakari and Mamu Dauda, who had been on OPSH’s wanted list, had been detained by the tactical unit of the organization.
However, the “troops foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village in order to prevent attacks and recover stolen goods.”
According to the statement, “Troops recovered one pistol and three cartridges and arrested Mohammed Kabiru, a suspected gunrunner.”
The 11 female farmers who were kidnapped while working on their farmlands at Riruwa village in Toro LGA were freed by the soldiers “in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police and hunters.”
As a result of Operation Safe Haven, five suspects—Hamiesu Gyang, Pam Ibrahim, Mafeng Gwott, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Abdullahi Abubakar—were found guilty of charges including criminal conspiracy, unauthorized firearm possession, theft, and culpable homicide.
However, the statement stated that “two suspected drug peddlers, Joseph Isaac and Henry Pam, were arrested with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs” in relation to the arrest of drug dealers and railroad vandals.
In addition, the statement stated that “troops intercepted a truck loaded with railway materials suspected to have been vandalized and arrested 2 suspects who were occupants of the truck.”
According to the statement, “15 distress calls were promptly responded to by OPSH troops, and seven attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred.”
Major General AE Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, conveyed gratitude to the local people for their prompt information sharing, which has been crucial to the operation’s success.
He emphasized OPSH’s will to keep up its efforts to address regional security challenges.
Abubakar emphasized that as investigations continue, the operation will keep targeting criminal groups and prosecuting them.
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