Legal Nigeria

Nigerian troops neutralize bandits, armed robbers; nab wanted kidnappers

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 9 to 16 October 2023 neutralised bandit/armed robbers and arrested 59 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, railway vandalism, gunrunning, illegal mining as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.

On 11 October 2023, troops neutralised a suspected bandit named Saidu AKA Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, mobile phone, headset and some money.

Before the suspect was neutralised, he confessed to have bought the ammunition from one Usman in Bisichi. Troops mobilised to the house but met his absence and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 5 cartridges, one baofeng radio/charger, one woodland camouflage vest and one black trouser. Similarly on the same day, troops deployed at Qua’anpan Area Command neutralised one armed robber while others fled with bullet wounds during an armed robbery attack along Amingo- Lafia road in Qua’anpan local government area of Plateau State and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 Techno mobile phone and a pair of sccks.

On 9 October 2023, troops engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village while moving to Ardo Kola village. Troops’ superior firepower forced the bandits to flee, with many sustaining high degree of gunshot wounds. Troops further exploited the area and rescued two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda, earlier kidnapped by the bandits. Troops recovered one mobile phone, one torchlight, 36 empty cases, some drugs, 5 blankets, 2 cooking pots, 3 gallons, 2 plates, 9 mats and other household items.

Similarly, on 10 October 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar at Kwa village in Qua’anpan LGA. The suspect was arrested with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special and one motorcycle. Preliminary investigation linked suspect to the recent kidnapping of an Accountant with Union Bank in Doemark general area. Also on 12 October 2023, troops of Sector 4 foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village in Barkin Ladi LGA and recovered one motorcycle. Additionally, OPSH tactical team arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Mamu Dauda and Mohammed Zakari, who have been on the wanted list of OPSH at Zango Urban in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. While carrying out the operation, troops recovered one rifle, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one dagger and some amount of money. Troops also arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Aliyu Usman and Umar Babuga at Jagindi Tashe village in Jema’a LGA . Furthermore, troops conducted raid operation at Mararaban Sabon Gida in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State and arrested a suspected kidnapper,Abdulkadir Rufai who is a member of a criminal gang terrorizing Sanga general area.

Also, on 10 October 2023, troops deployed at Dukku LGA arrested 2 suspects, Malam Malkudi Dothy and Malam Danladi Ibrahim with one pistol and 2 motorcycles.

In the same vein, troops on 12 October 2023 arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Kabiru at Koko Ibi Lau LGA and recovered one pistol and 3 cartridges.

Similarly, troops deployed at Mangu LGA, arrested a suspect with a rifle, AK 47 magazine, a plier and hammer.

On 12 October 2023, troops while on patrol also arrested one Ayuba Sati at Jannaret in Mangu LGA of Plateau State with one AK 47 rifle, one empty AK 47 magazine, one motorcycle, one jerrycan, one techno mobile phone and some amount of money.

credit: PM News