In a series of decisive operations, troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have recorded substantial successes in ensuring security across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), which covers parts of Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna states. The operations, dubbed Operation GOLDEN PEACE, led to the recovery of 18 kidnapped victims, neutralization of several bandits, and the arrest of criminals involved in various nefarious activities.
Over the past two months, intensive operations were conducted around the borders between Plateau and Taraba states, particularly in the Bangalala and Kinishi Forests, spanning Wase and Karim Lamido Local Government Areas (LGAs). These efforts resulted in the rescue of 18 kidnapped individuals, including elderly victims such as 68-year-old Saidu Ibrahim and 71-year-old Baba Sale. The victims, who had been held in various locations across Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs, have since been reunited with their families after profiling by security agencies.
On 23 December 2024, OPSH troops captured five bandits at a hideout in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State. Recovered from the scene were three fabricated rifles, ammunition, and other weapons. Days later, on 25 December 2024, troops intercepted five bandits in Mangu LGA attempting to carry out an attack. The timely intervention led to the recovery of more weapons and ammunition.
In a further crackdown on criminal elements, troops apprehended a notorious kidnap kingpin, Musa Abubakar (aka Haburuwa), on 27 December 2024, in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. The suspect confessed to leading several kidnapping operations in Bassa and Jos South LGAs. Similarly, a gunrunner known as Mosaje was arrested on 28 December 2024, in Kanam LGA, Plateau State, for supplying weapons to criminal syndicates.
The operation continued into the new year with more arrests and recovery of weapons. On 1 January 2025, troops captured a gunrunning suspect in Bokkos LGA and seized fabricated pistols and ammunition. On the same day, two suspected gunrunners were intercepted at a checkpoint in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, with a pistol and other weapons.
The military also foiled a kidnapping attempt on 3 January 2025 in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of four suspects. On 4 January, a key operation in Bokkos LGA led to the neutralization of a kidnapper and the arrest of an accomplice involved in collecting ransom.
Operation SAFE HAVEN continues to intensify efforts to decimate criminal elements in the region. Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Military Information Officer for OPSH, reassured the public that security forces remain fully committed to protecting lives and property. He urged the public to support the efforts of security agencies by providing timely intelligence.
The successes of Operation GOLDEN PEACE highlight the ongoing resolve of security forces to bring peace and stability to Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna states.
