Operation Safe Haven, OpSH, has successfully apprehended 17 individuals suspected of being involved in various criminal activities within the regions of Plateau and Kaduna States. Notably among the detainees are those believed to be responsible for the recent killing of an elderly person on his farm in the Rahwol Gassa community, located in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.
Captain James Oya, the Media Information Officer of OpSH, confirmed this development on Monday in Jos. He conveyed that from August 21 to 28, 2023, the troops engaged in Operation Hakorin Damisa IV managed to apprehend 17 suspects associated with crimes such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and possession of illicit drugs.
Captain Oya stated, “As part of Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, troops from Operation Safe Haven made significant strides in law enforcement. Among these accomplishments, the troops arrested five individuals in connection with the murder of Mr. Joshua Deme, who was tragically killed on his farm in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. In addition, a successful sting operation was executed in Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, resulting in the arrest of Baba Yusuf Habu, a suspected kidnapper who had long been sought by OpSH. The troops also thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Angwan Takai village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.”
Captain Oya continued, “Further actions led to the discovery and dismantling of criminal hideouts in Gwash and Kamantan villages, located in Jos North/Zango Kataf LGAs of both Plateau and Kaduna States. This operation yielded the recovery of a pistol, cartridges, and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Notorious armed robber Mohammed Lawal was apprehended in Kafanchan town, where troops also retrieved two fabricated rifles and a pistol.”
“In a separate incident, a truck transporting vandalized railway tracks, with registration number EKY617XF, was intercepted along the Gidan Ado village route in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Moreover, a drug kingpin identified as Maxwell Davou was arrested during a well-executed operation. Substances suspected to be illicit drugs were seized at Waye Foundation, Du in Jos South LGA.”
Captain Oya emphasized, “Additionally, troops took action to safeguard agricultural interests by detaining over 237 cattle suspected of being involved in destructive activities on farmlands or cases of cattle rustling. Throughout this period, a total of 17 arrests were made, nine kidnapping victims were rescued, six armed robbery attempts were thwarted, and four attacks on vulnerable communities were averted. OpSH remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people residing in Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna. The operation is poised to continue providing comprehensive protection and swift responses to all emergency calls, aimed at eradicating criminal elements within these localities.”
