According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), troops from Operation Safe Haven have neutralised some bandits and armed robbers to ensure a smooth and peaceful Sallah celebration within their area of responsibility.
Bernard Onyeuko, Director, Defence Media Operations, stated on Tuesday in Abuja that troops apprehended two notorious kidnappers, Abdulrazaq Umar and Idris Abdullahi, at Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau on July 7 and July 8.
He stated that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the police, and the suspects confessed to carrying out several kidnappings in Plateau and Bauchi, including the murder of one Saleh Abdulhamid (Shaba) at Ex Land Village on June 22.
According to Mr. Onyeuko, they revealed that the gang’s leader was Malam Buhari Umar. The criminals attempted to flee while en route to their hideout, according to him, but were stopped.
On July 9, troops conducted a raid operation in Mailafia, Nisama, Dogon Filli, and Gidan Waya, all in Kaduna State’s Jema’a Local Government Area.
He stated that two armed robbers, George Yakubu, 26, and George Joseph, 25, were apprehended during the raid.
Among the items recovered from the suspects are three AK-47 rifles, one knife, one cutting hoe, one cutter, and one spanner, according to him.
“On the same day, troops responded to a distress call that gunmen had attacked a Toyota Hummer Bus with registration number LFA 322 YR Nasarawa in Dogon Filli village.”
“Troops were dispatched to the scene and rescued nine passengers who were being held hostage.”
“The military high command commends troops of Operation Safe Haven for their efforts and encourages the general public to provide troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he said.
