The army said three persons were arrested for kidnapping while four were arrested for murder; also four suspects were arrested in connection with attacks on villages and two for illicit drug peddling while four bandits were killed by the troops.
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said a total of 19 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes in Kaduna and Plateau states.
The army said three persons were arrested for kidnapping while four were arrested for murder; also four suspects were arrested in connection with attacks on villages and two for illicit drug peddling while four bandits were killed by the troops.
In a press statement released by the army on its verified X account, the troops also recovered cows earlier rustled in Mangu local government area of Plateau.
The statement reads in part: “On 30 October 2023, troops of Sector 7 OPSH arrested one Alhaji Ya’u Baba for deliberate destruction of farmlands at Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Also, on 2 November 2023, troops arrested two suspects, Edward Dauda and Pam John for attack on a herd of cattle leading to the killing of a cow at Sot Gyel community in Jos South LGA. Additionally, on 2 November 2023, troops apprehended 50 cows for grazing on farmlands at Kwi village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
Furthermore, on 4 November 2023, troops recovered 5 cows earlier rustled at Shemlang village in Mangu LGA. The said cows were recovered at Sabon-Gari general area of Mangu LGA.
“On 1 November 2023, troops neutralised two bandits at Dutse village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Similarly, on 2 November 2023, two terrorists, Buwa Tafawa and Gyang Yusuf, were neutralized around Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Also, on 3 November 2023, troops in conjunction with vigilante members foiled an attempted attack on Kuba village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State by unidentified gunmen, and neutralised one of the attackers in the process, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”
The statement reads further: “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 29 October to 5 November 2023, neutralised suspected bandits and arrested 19 suspects in connection with kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, armed robbery, farm destruction, theft as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.
“On 29 October 2023, based on credible information, troops arrested two suspected drug dealers, Mr Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal at Kujiya Market Bukuru in Jos South LGA, Plateau State. During the arrest, troops recovered 1 locally fabricated rifle. Suspects are being profiled for further action. Similarly, on 30 October 2023, troops of Sector 7 OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and recovered one locally fabricated rifle with cartridges in his possession. In a related development, on 1 November 2023, troops arrested two motorcycle snatchers, Samaila Nasiru, Bashir Sani at Riyom general area, Plateau State.”