By Eke Chioma
(Jos), Troops of 3 Division and Operation safe haven, under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have eliminated two kidnappers, apprehended suspected gunrunners, and seized arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna States.
According to Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, troops launched an offensive operation on March 12, 2025, targeting criminal hideouts in Kuru and Turu, Jos South LGA, Plateau State.
During the operation, troops engaged armed kidnappers and terrorists near the high grounds of Kuru, successfully eliminating two suspects. A search of the area led to the recovery of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and 9 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.
Later that day, troops set up snap checkpoints along the Bokkos-Bot-Mangu road in Bokkos LGA, following intelligence reports on arms smuggling.
The operation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Sengi David, a known gunrunner from Kopal Village in Panyam District, Mangu LGA. Troops recovered one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition from the suspect, who is now in custody for further investigation.
In another covert operation on March 11, troops successfully arrested a notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner, identified as Mr. Blessed Paul, 22, in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State.
The suspect, who had been on security agencies’ wanted list, had previously escaped to Abuja to evade arrest. Troops lured him by posing as buyers interested in purchasing an AK-47 rifle for N1.5 million.
“A search on the suspect led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 2 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. The suspect and recovered arms and ammunition are in custody,” Zhakom stated.
According to the military, the suspect is cooperating with interrogators, providing useful information to help security forces track down other members of his syndicate.
On March 12, 2025, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted a rescue operation at the outskirts of Josho Village, Daffo District, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.
”The operation followed credible intelligence that kidnappers were keeping some abducted victims in the area. Upon sighting troops, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled,” Zhakom explained.
Following a search of the hideout, troops rescued two female victims:
– Miss Nanbam Adamu, 11 years old and
– Miss Dorcas Wantu
Both victims are indigenes of Mbor Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA.
“The rescued victims have been debriefed and handed over to their families. Troops are currently conducting follow-up operations to intercept and neutralize the fleeing kidnappers,” the military spokesman added.
