Troops of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have neutralised a bandit and recovered weapons during a successful intelligence-led operation at the border between Plateau and Taraba States.
In a statement released by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, the operation was launched following a tip-off about an impending bandit attack on communities in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He stated, “During the operation, troops made contact with the criminals at their concentration area at Dutsen Zaki High Ground in Wase LGA of Plateau State. In an exchange of fire, troops neutralised one of the bandits while others fled with gunshot wounds.”
The troops also rescued a kidnapped victim, 24-year-old Auwalu Isa, who was abducted from Kampani Zurak. He was debriefed and has since been reunited with his family.
In a separate operation on the same day around 1:20 pm, troops acting on credible intelligence discovered concealed weapons in the Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State. The weapons were believed to have been hidden by bandits under pressure from ongoing military activities under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a.
The statement further read, “During the operation, troops discovered a freshly dug area which was immediately excavated. In the process, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) carefully concealed by the bandits.”
The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody for further investigation, while troops continue operations in the area to uncover additional weapons and maintain security.
