Troops from Operation Safe Haven, responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State, have once again taken action against criminal elements, resulting in the arrest of 19 suspected kidnappers in the state.

This development comes just two weeks after the same troops apprehended 73 kidnappers, including bandits responsible for terrorizing various communities in Plateau State and neighboring Kaduna State.

The spokesperson for the military task force, Captain Oya James, confirmed these recent arrests in a statement released in Jos on Tuesday.

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He disclosed that the operation, which spanned approximately one week, not only led to the capture of 19 new suspects but also saw the neutralization of additional bandits and the successful rescue of kidnapped victims.

The statement highlights the various incidents and arrests during the operation. On October 29, 2023, troops arrested two suspected drug dealers, Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal, at Kujiya Market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area.

During the arrest, a locally fabricated rifle was recovered, and the suspects are currently undergoing profiling for further actions.

Additionally, on October 30, 2023, troops from Sector 7 OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad, at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A locally fabricated rifle with cartridges was confiscated from him.

On November 1, 2023, two motorcycle thieves, Samaila Nasiru and Bashir Sani, were apprehended in the Riyom general area in Plateau State.

Further operations led to the arrest of Suleimanu Audu on November 3, 2023, in connection with the kidnapping and rape of two victims on September 24, 2023, at Gidan Auta village.

On the same day, troops arrested Sarajo Adam, a notorious armed robber, at Kwog village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

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Sarajo Adam had been on the wanted list of security agencies for multiple robbery activities in the Barkin Ladi area and its surroundings.

The statement also noted the arrest of three suspects, namely Ibrahim Mohammed, Salisu Abdullahi, and Idris Abdullahi, in connection with an attack on farmers in Mai Hakorin Gold village, Bokkos Local Government Area.

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Three suspects, David Emmanuel, Moses Dalyop, and Gabriel Davou, were apprehended in connection with the murder of a commercial motorcyclist, Abdulkarim Saidu, at Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area.

These suspects were arrested at Fang village on October 30, 2023.