Troops neutralise bandits, arrest two and rescue kidnap victims in Plateau

Troops of Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, have neutralized bandits, rescued several kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of operations across Plateau State. 

Media Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Captain Akorin Damisa Ivoya James, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, July 28, 2023, said that troops, while responding to a distress call, rescued five persons who were abducted at Rumfa Gwamna village. 

The troops also arrested two suspected criminals and recovered 15 rustled cows in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state. 

“Troops of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV, whilst on operations on 26 July 2023, along Rugan/Basiru village of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, came under fire from suspected bandits and professionally responded, forcing the bandits to retreat,” the statement read.

“Troops recovered 2 x AK 47 Rifles with Registration Numbers 07873 and B-32134, 15 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, 3 x locally fabricated guns and a pair of military desert camouflage uniforms. Ten suspects were captured and are currently undergoing profiling. 

“In the same vein, troops also thwarted an attempted attack on Mangun and Patlong villages in Mangu LGA. Troops decisively responded and scores of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Similarly, troops on 25 July 2023 along road Janneret/ Washina Changal and Gyambwas all in Mangu LGA, responded to firing from suspected bandits who fled on sighting own troops. Troops in the process, recovered 3 x motorcycles and 1 x locally fabricated gun. 

“Troops on the same day responded to a distress call at Rumfar Gwamna village and rescued 5 kidnapped victims while recovering a Toyota Camry and Sharon cars. 

Troops also conducted operations on criminal hideouts at Unguwan Haruna, Kibam and Dogon Daji forest and rescued 4 victims while 2 suspected kidnappers were arrested.

“Also, on 22 July 2023, troops responded to a distress call at Makabat village in Bokkos, leading to the capture of 2 miscreants and recovery of 2 x locally fabricated rifles. Furthermore, 15 rustled cows were recovered by a Combat Team along Fan District of Barkin-Ladi LGA while 37 cows were arrested for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals in Shimlan and Barkin Ladi villages. In addition, troops captured a notorious gunrunner responsible for trafficking arms and ammunition in the North West and North Central during sting operations leading to the recovery of 1 x AK 47 Rifle and magazine at Soi village, Gidan Akwati Gashish District.

“Operations SAFE HAVEN continues to appeal to all law-abiding citizens to sustain giving credible and timely information to assist in prompt responses to security situations as they emerge.”