Troops arrest 3 prison escapees and suspected kidnappers in Plateau; recover arms, ammunition

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 2nd to 9th of October 2023, have arrested 13 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, prison break, cattle rustling as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.

The troops arrested 3 prison escapees, Chekirmak Tapir, Senmacong Tapir and Swaroong Tapir at Barkin Ciyawa village in Qua’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

The Nigerian Army in a statement on Monday, October 9, 2023, said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects escaped from custody in Mangu LGA. 

Troops also foiled an attempt by unidentified gunmen to attack Washina and Razak Villages in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State respectively. The gunmen were engaged by own troops in a gun battle forcing them to flee due to superior firepower from troops. However, one suspect was captured during the engagement.

Also, Operation SAFE HAVEN tactical team arrested a notorious kidnapper, Buba Ibrahim at Tilden Fulani Village in Toro LGA of Bauchi State and recovered one Baretta pistol. 

Similarly, the gallant troops arrested two suspects planning to kidnap one Mrs Salama Ayuba, the owner of Confidence Health Centre at Fadan Karshi, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects were arrested at Gashish town in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. 

The troops also arrested one Mr Williams Seaman in connection with the attack on one Mr Nanbak Ayuba by gunmen in his residence at Shorom village in Bokkos LGA. 

During the arrest, they recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 2 rounds and 1 empty case of 9mm. 

Meanwhile, 2 kidnapped victims were rescued along Road Magama-Angware at Shibiri village in Jos East LGA. 

Troops deployed at FOB Sanga further conducted search operations in identified criminals’ hideouts at Angwan Mallam/Aboron Daji villages and surrounding high-grounds within Sanga LGA and rescued two kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families

Additionally, troops recovered a total of 279 cows and 6 sheep for farms destruction across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. 

A suspected cattle rustler, Yusuf Hamisu was also arrested at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf LGA. 

In the same vein, troops deployed at Sector 6 arrested two suspected drug peddlers, Mr Ezekiel Davou and Illiya Ezekiel at Makera checkpoint in Riyom LGA and recovered substances suspected to be India helm in commercial quantities, 1 motorcycle, 2 mobile phones and some sum of money. 

Also, troops arrested 3 suspects for assault on farmers at Mere village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.

A total of 13 arrests were effected, 4 victims rescued from kidnappers, 1 cattle rustler arrested, 7 drug peddlers nabbed, 2 attacks on vulnerable communities deterred within the period and 23 distress calls promptly responded to.

OPSH assures the good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna of maximum protection and continued prompt response to all distress calls with a view to protecting lives and property which remains paramount and foremost in the Forces’ mission mandate.