David Arin, Jos
DAILY COURIER - Troops of the 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have intensified their crackdown on criminal elements in Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralizing two kidnappers, arresting notorious gunrunners, and rescuing abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
According to a press statement released by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, the operations conducted on March 11 and 12, 2025, led to significant successes in curbing kidnapping and arms trafficking in the region.
On March 12, 2025, troops launched an offensive operation targeting criminal hideouts in Kuru and Turu, areas notorious for kidnapping activities in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. During the operation, soldiers engaged a group of kidnappers in a firefight and successfully neutralized two of the criminals. The troops recovered 18 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and 9 rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition from the neutralized suspects.
On the same day, troops conducted a snap checkpoint operation along Bokkos-Bot-Mangu road in Bokkos LGA following intelligence reports on the movement of arms and ammunition in the area. During the operation, a 21-year-old gunrunner, Mr. Sengi David, from Kopal Village in Panyam District of Mangu LGA, was intercepted. The suspect was found in possession of one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. He has been taken into custody for further interrogation.
In Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, troops carried out a sting operation on March 11, 2025, leading to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner, Mr. Blessed Paul, aged 22. Paul, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies for his involvement in multiple criminal activities, had earlier fled to Abuja to evade capture.
However, security operatives lured him back by posing as arms buyers, offering to purchase an AK-47 rifle for ₦1.5 million. He fell for the trap and was arrested at Garaje Community in Jema’a LGA. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. Paul is currently in custody and has been making useful confessions, aiding security forces in tracking down other members of his criminal network.
In another successful operation on March 12, 2025, troops conducted a rescue mission in Josho Village, Daffo District, Bokkos LGA, where kidnappers had been holding two young girls captive. Upon sighting the approaching soldiers, the kidnappers abandoned their hostages and fled. The rescued victims, 11-year-old Miss Nanbam Adamu and Miss Dorcas Wantu, both from Mbor Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA, have since been reunited with their families after a debriefing session. Security forces are currently pursuing the fleeing kidnappers.
The statement reassured the public that troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN remain committed to eliminating threats and maintaining peace in the region. Citizens are encouraged to provide credible information to aid the ongoing operations against criminals.
