Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), in collaboration with an intelligence agency, have apprehended two notorious gunrunners and kidnappers during a successful intelligence-led operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
According to a press statement signed by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, 11 May 2025, in the Marit Mazat area of Barkin Ladi. It followed the earlier arrest of a known gunrunner and kidnapper, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, in Barakin Gangare on Saturday, 10 May.
In a swift follow-up raid, the troops arrested another key suspect identified as Mr. Saeedu Haruna. One AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and an ITEL mobile phone were recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested individuals and their syndicate are behind several criminal operations in Gashish and Kurra Falls areas of Plateau State, as well as Gwantu and Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Authorities confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and have begun making useful confessions, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network and recover additional weapons.
Operation SAFE HAVEN commended the cooperation of local residents, stressing the importance of continued support and credible intelligence to aid in the crackdown on criminal elements threatening peace in the region.
The military has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as part of collective efforts to ensure security and stability within the Joint Operations Area.
