From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian army said troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, have killed a suspected bandits and arrested one gunrunner while transporting some weapons to an unknown destination.
The troops in its ongoing Op LAFIYAN JAMA’A in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, conducted offensive operations at the mountainous areas of Tulus and Hokk Communities along the fringes of Plateau and Nasarawa State.
During the operation, troops made contact with armed militias at Hokk Community but overwhelmed the criminals and neutralised one of the bandits while others fled into the surrounding bushes.
Troops exploited the area but no further contact was made with the criminals. However, troops are currently dominating the general area with mobile and static patrols to deny the fleeing criminals freedom of action.
“Similarly, at about 1745 hours (5:45 PM), based on credible intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition by gunrunners in the JOA, troops mounted snap check points along suspected routes of the criminals at Mangar in Daffo District in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops intercepted a gunrunner identified as Mr Zubairu Ahmed aged 37 years while conveying concealed arms and ammunition on a motorcycle. Search on the arrested suspect led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, one motorcycle, 2 Tecno mobile phones, one clothing material and cash sum of Four Hundred Naira (N400.00). The arrested suspect and recovered items are in custody while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.
