Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State have arrested 271 suspected criminals including bandits operating in various locations in the state.

The Deputy Commander of Operation Safe Haven, DCP T Iyua, made this known on Friday while addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Jos

He also disclosed that 110 different weapons and 1,161 ammunition were also recovered from the suspected criminals.

Iyua said the operations which resulted in the arrest of the criminals were carried out by the troops in the last two months.

The deputy commander said in one of the operations carried out on January 2, 2024, security agencies responded to a distress call on the activities of suspected bandits at Bang, Zamtip, and Gwantim villages under Kadarko District in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He said, “The criminals were engaged forcing them to flee. Four suspects were arrested and three motorcycles were recovered from the scene. On the same day, personnel arrested a notorious criminal named Mr Markus Dawa 46 years with one rifle and a pistol at Damakasua village in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“The suspect who has been on the watch list of security agencies confessed to having participated in several kidnappings and isolated killings. Similarly, security agencies on mobile patrol arrested a suspected criminal, Daman Isaac, 19 years at Yemdun Mangun village in Mangu Local Government Area and recovered one pistol, two cartridges, one dagger, one motorcycle, and assorted charms.

“Furthermore, on January 3, 2024, personnel responded to a distress call on the kidnap of one Emmanuel Monday Jafrom along Kaskara-Mangu Road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victim was rescued and one of the kidnappers Biliyaminu Musa captured.

“Equally, on January 4, 2024, security agencies stationed at the Gashish junction checkpoint in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State arrested Mr Shamsu Ibrahim Bakoji 45 years for collaborating with militias to attack Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

“In another development, Operation SAFE HAVEN in its efforts to ensure arrested suspects are brought to justice have on 8 January 2024 arraigned four criminal suspects Dalek Rafan, Makut Danladi, Hussaini Isa, and Ayuba Sati before the Chief Magistrate court Abattoir Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspects were charged with unlawful possession of weapons and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.

“Similarly, on 14 January 2024, personnel arrested two suspected gunrunners, Abubakar Adamu and Surajo Salisu at Gyanbar village in Wase Local Government Area and recovered one Beretta pistol, four rifles, one AK 47 rifle receiver cover with two cases of 7.62mm ammunition and filing machine Furthermore, on 15 January 2024, four criminal suspects, Fatai Lawal, Ishaq Usman, Adamu Usman and Zubairu Usman were also arraigned before the Chief Magistrate court Abattoir in Jos South Local Government Area. The suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of weapons, and car theft. The suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.

“In summary, a total of seventy-nine civilians were rescued from kidnappers and armed robbers, while a total of one hundred and ten different calibers of weapons were recovered and 1161 ammunition recovered from suspected criminals. Security agencies also neutralized a total of 13 armed criminals and arrested 271 suspects for offenses related to kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running, banditry, farm destruction, vandalism, and other sundry crimes. So far, we have prosecuted a total of 33 arrested suspects to court and dismantled 2 arms fabrication factory. Also, personnel recovered a total of 554 livestock from rustlers,” he said.

The Deputy Commander commended Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi States people for their support and cooperation towards ensuring credible information is provided to aid the successful conduct of operations by security agencies towards flushing out criminal elements and their collaborators.

He urged the citizens to prioritize peace over violence, eschew taking laws into their hands and ensure aggrieved persons seek redress through the justice system.

He also pledged the Operations SAFE HAVEN’s commitment to redoubling efforts towards securing all law-abiding citizens. (The PUNCH)

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