Troops arrest several criminals in Jos, Benue, recover arms

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigerian Military said its troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN as well as other operations in the North Central Zone have sustained the offensive against terrorists and arrested many of them.

Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on the Military operations in the country.

He said the operational activities were conducted at different locations and villages within Jos South, Wase and Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and other location within the theatre of operation.

“Notably, between 16 and 18 February 2023, troops on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incidents at Kwanan Fulani, along Jos-Abuja road in Jos South Local Government Area Plateau State. Troops mobilized to the location and engaged the criminal in a fire fight, who fled. Troops searched the general area and rescued 10 abducted civilians. Troops equally engaged some criminal elements at Yelwa Nono village in Bokkos Local Government Area who fled in disarray, during which 4 civilians were also rescued.

“Troops also responded to robbery activities at Anguldi village in Jos South Local Government of the same state. Troops mobilized to the locations and made contact with the criminal who fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 1 fabricated rifle, 1 pistol and 76 rustled cattle.

“Also troops on 19 February 2023 while on check point duty at Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State intercepted a vehicle and arrested 2 suspected gunrunner. Troops recovered one FN rifle with fully loaded magazine, one pump action gun, a motorcycle and 3 mobile phones.

“Accordingly, within the weeks in review troops recovered, one FN rifle with fully loaded magazine, one pump action gun, 3 locally fabricated rifles, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 3 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 7 bags of substances suspected to Indian hemp, 76 rustled cattle and other sundry items. Troops equally neutralized 1 criminal, arrested 18 suspected criminals and rescued 14 abducted civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to relevant authority for further action.”