TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TWO KIDNAPPERS, ARREST SUSPECTED GUNRUNNERS, AND RECOVER ARMS IN PLATEAU, KADUNA STATES

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Troops from the 3rd Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN, as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have neutralized two kidnappers, arrested suspected gunrunners, and recovered arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna states.

Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer for OPSH, provided the details in a statement released on the Nigerian Army’s official platform on Thursday.

The statement read in part: “On March 12, 2025, troops carried out offensive operations as part of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, targeting criminal elements hiding in the Kuru and Turu areas of Jos South Local Government Area in Plateau State.”

“During the operation, troops engaged kidnappers/terrorists near the high grounds of Kuru, neutralizing two criminals who were found in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and nine rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.”

In another operation, troops responded to credible intelligence regarding kidnappers holding victims in the outskirts of Josho Village in the Daffo District of Bokkos LGA. Upon arrival, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled.

The statement continued: “During the operation, two female victims — 11-year-old Miss Nanbam Adamu and Miss Dorcas Wantu, both from Mbor Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA — were rescued. The victims were debriefed and handed over to their families. Troops are continuing follow-up operations to track down and neutralize the fleeing kidnappers.”

On the same day, troops set up snap checkpoints along the Bokkos-Bot-Mangu Road in Bokkos LGA after receiving credible intelligence about the movement of arms and ammunition. During this operation, a 21-year-old notorious gunrunner, Sengi David, was arrested and found in possession of one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition. The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.

The statement also revealed that on March 11, 2025, troops arrested a 22-year-old notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner, Blessed Paul, in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State.

“Paul, who had been on the security agencies’ wanted list for his involvement in kidnapping and gunrunning, had previously fled to Abuja to evade arrest. However, he was lured back with the promise of purchasing an AK-47 rifle for ₦1,500,000,” the statement explained.

The suspect met with troops posing as buyers in Garaje Community, where he was apprehended. One AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition were recovered from Paul, who is now providing valuable information to assist in the ongoing investigation and the arrest of other members of the criminal network.

The troops continue their operations to disrupt the activities of criminal syndicates in the region.