Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and nabbed suspected gunrunners in villages of Plateau and Kaduna states.

The troops also recovered arms and ammunition during the operations. 

Major Samson Zhakom, OPSH’s spokesman, who disclosed this to newsmen in Jos, said the operation was carried out on March 12, 2025.

He said, ‘’Troops conducted offensive operations as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A to clear criminal elements hibernating around Kuru and Turu in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

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“During the operation, troops made contact with kidnappers/terrorists close to the high grounds in Kuru and neutralised two of the criminals, who were in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and 9 rounds of 5.56x45mm ammunition.’’

Major Zhakom further said, “On March 12, 2025, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN conducting Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, mounted snap checkpoints along Bokkos-Bot-Mangu road in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. 

“The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition along the area. During the operation, troops intercepted a notorious gunrunner identified as Mr Sengi David (21), who hails from Kopal village in Panyam District of Mangu LGA of Plateau State in possession of one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The suspect and the recovered items are in custody for investigation.’’

 Narrating how they arrested the suspected gunrunners, Major Zhakom said “Our troops, on March 11, 2025, conducted a sting operation to arrest a notorious kidnapper, terrorist and gunrunner identified as Mr Blessed Paul (22) at Garaje Community in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.

“The suspect, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping and gunrunning activities, had earlier escaped to the FCT to evade arrest. However, he was lured with the promise of purchasing one AK-47 rifle for the sum of N1.5 million. 

“The suspected gunrunner agreed and met troops who posed as potential buyers at the selected spot in Garaje community, where he was rounded up. A search on the suspect led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and two rounds of 7.62mm (Special),’’ he said.