Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralised a suspected bandit and arrested a gunrunner in separate operations in Plateau State, recovering arms and ammunition in the process.
Army spokesperson disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the operations, conducted under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, targeted criminal elements in Bokkos Local Government Area, particularly in the mountainous regions of Tulus and Hokk communities, along the Plateau-Nasarawa border.
During a clearance operation at Hokk Community, troops encountered armed militias. According to the statement, “Troops overwhelmed the criminals and neutralised one of the bandits, while others fled into the surrounding bush.”
Although no further contact was made with the fleeing assailants, the army noted that troops continue to dominate the area with mobile and static patrols to prevent the regrouping or movement of the criminals.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted a gunrunner at Mangar in Daffo District of Bokkos LGA.
“At about 1745 hours (5:45 p.m.), troops mounted snap checkpoints along suspected routes used by criminal elements. They intercepted a gunrunner identified as Mr. Zubairu Ahmed, aged 37, who was conveying concealed weapons on a motorcycle,” the statement said.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two Tecno mobile phones, a motorcycle, clothing materials, and a sum of ₦400.
The army confirmed that the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
