Troops arrest kidnappers of 7 UniJos students, 84 others

In a significant operation, troops of 'Operation Safe Haven' (OpSH) during Operation Hakorin Damisa IV have successfully apprehended 91 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including the kidnapping of University of Jos (UniJos) students, attacks on communities, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug peddling, and cattle rustling in Plateau and Kaduna states. Captain James Oya, the Media Information Officer for OpSH, released a statement detailing the operation's achievements, which occurred between September 25, 2023, and October 4, 2023. The arrests resulted in the capture of seven suspected kidnappers, six suspected armed robbers, and two cattle rustlers. Additionally, four victims were successfully rescued from kidnappers, five attacks on vulnerable communities were prevented, and two kidnap attempts were thwarted.

Among the notable achievements of Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, the notorious kidnappers Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, who had long been on the wanted list of OpSH, were apprehended at Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping of seven University of Jos students in July 2023. The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the suspects. Furthermore, Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass were arrested in connection with the brutal attack on Takania village in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where six people were tragically murdered.

The successful operation also led to the capture of two notorious armed robbers and kidnappers, Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, at Kok village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Additionally, Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, members of a notorious robbery syndicate operating along the Barkin Ladi – Mangu road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, were arrested. The troops also apprehended an armed robbery gang leader, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar, at NTV village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu, also known as "Yellow," at the Amper checkpoint in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State while attempting to collect a kidnap ransom. Items recovered from the suspects included a cutlass, a knife, two mobile phones, and various local charms.

Operation Safe Haven's proactive efforts and successful operations have significantly contributed to curbing criminal activities and enhancing the safety and security of the communities in Plateau and Kaduna states. The arrests of these suspects mark a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against criminal elements in the region.