Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State have raided a kidnappers’ den in the Bassa Local Government Area, arresting bandits’ arms suppliers disguising as transporters.
Also arrested in the raid was a notorious kingpin identified as Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman.
The spokesperson for the military task force, Maj. Samson Zhakom disclosed these in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the operation, conducted in the Rafiki community of Bassa LGA, also led to the capture of other kidnap collaborators and the recovery of ammunition hidden in their hideout.
Zhakom said, “In continuation of robust efforts to ensure secure harvest and peaceful Yuletide celebrations in the Joint Operations Area as directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede NAM, troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven on Operation Golden Peace conducted intelligence-based raids at identified criminal hideouts at Rafiki General Area in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State with positive outcomes, including the capture of notorious kidnap kingpins and recovery of a cache of ammunition on 10 December 2024.
“During the operation, security agencies captured the target identified as Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman, alongside his collaborator, Mallam Alhassan Samaila. A thorough search at the hideout of the kidnap kingpin led to the recovery of 439 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition carefully concealed in a four-litre engine oil gallon.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects disguised as transporters to convey cache ammunition to bandits in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.
“Arrested suspects are making useful confessions while security agencies are currently conducting follow-on operations to capture other members of the criminal syndicate as well as recover their arms and ammunition.”
Zhakom emphasised the commitment of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the joint operations area.
He also called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely intelligence.
(Punch)