91 suspects have been detained by Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops on Operation Hakorin Damascus IV for a variety of crimes, including kidnapping, farm devastation, armed robbery, livestock rustling, and drug trafficking.
The arrests were made between September 25 and October 4 of 2023, according to a statement from the OPSH signed by its media information officer, Captain Oya James, who also added that those apprehended included those responsible for the kidnapping of University of Jos students in July of this year.
The renowned kidnappers Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, who were on the OPSH’s wanted list, were mentioned as having been detained at Mista Ali village in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the suspects admitted during questioning that they were responsible for the kidnapping of seven students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in July 2023. One AK-47 weapon that was taken from the suspects was found to be loaded with 12 7.62mm Special bullets.
In addition, the OPSH reported that its troops had detained Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection with the attack on Takania village in Kaduna State’s Zango Kataf LGA, where six people had been brutally slain.
“The troops also arrested two notorious armed robbers/kidnappers, Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda, at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA, while Manu Sale and Amir Shaba, notorious robbery syndicates operating along the road from Barkin Ladi to Mangu in Barkin LGA, were also arrested alongside an armed robbery gang leader, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar, at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Similarly, while attempting to collect kidnap ransom, troops detained two alleged kidnappers, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu, a.k.a. Yellow, at the Amper checkpoint in Kanam LGA of Plateau State. Two cellphones, a cutlass, a knife, and regional charms were found on the accused.
“While conducting mobile operations, troops at Bokkos LGA detained Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori, two suspected livestock rustlers, in the hamlet of Gwandu. Along with stopping a cattle rustling event, the army also saved 145 cows and returned them to their owners in Maiyanga village, Bassa LGA.
“Three rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and three axes were found by the troops during the operation. At Rim Village in Riyom LGA, 57 cows were also impounded for grazing on farmlands.
In addition, troops stopped a kidnapping attempt against Hon Magai Peter in his home in Ruku village in Barkin Ladi LGA and another victim in Jeisey village. The kidnappers were forced to abort their operation and run due to the troops’ superior firepower during their meeting. Among the items found were two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles.
“Troops also freed Miss Silva Hassan and Salvation Obadiah, two kidnapped victims, from Zangang Hill in Kaura village, Kaduna State. Additionally, 7 farmers were rescued from alleged militias at Jipun village in the Pushit area of Mangu LGA while harvesting crops on their land. Ibrahim Isah, a key suspect, was however detained in connection with the event.
