Alhaji Saleh Umar’s killer, the Ardo (Fulani Leader) of Karumu in Dutsen Bako, and the killer of Nigerian Air Force Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Hamza Musa, who was just released, have all been apprehended by the Special Task Force under the code name “Operation Safe Haven.” The operation also revealed the capture of the killer at Bokkos, whose actions resulted in the death of an innocent person.
Major S. N. Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, stated this to journalists on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Operation Safe Haven headquarters in Jos.
“With us today are the prime suspects in the gruesome murder of the Ardo of Kamuru of Dutsen Bako village, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Alhaji Saleh Umar as well as the killer of discharged Nigerian Air Force Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Hamza Musa. Also, we have apprehended the shooter at Bokkos during which one person sadly lost his life and another was injured. We also conducted joint sting operations with the DSS to the hideout of railway vandals and economic saboteurs in Plateau State and made huge significant breakthroughs”.
The operation added that “Following the gruesome murder of the Ardo of Kamuru Alhaji Saleh Umar on 27 February 2024 who was earlier kidnapped and a ransom of 2 million Naira paid, security agencies ramped up covert operations and successfully arrested the key perpetrators. They are Bokolo Mohammed from Laduga village in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State and two other suspects Mr Shuaibu Mohammed and Abdulkareem Suleiman both arrested at Kamaru market under Ikulu chiefdom in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.”
“Confessional statements obtained from the suspects revealed that the late Ardo was ambushed while on transit and moved to Ungwan Zomo where he was killed. Preliminary investigation also revealed that the late Ardo was murdered even after a ransom of 2 Million Naira was paid due to his unbiased stance and insistence on peaceful coexistence in the Zango Kataf general area. The arrested suspects would be charged to court for prosecution immediately investigations are concluded.” the operation said.
On the killing of a retired Airforce Master Warrant Officer, the operation announced the apprehension of a relative of the deceased who was involved in the incident. “Similarly, a retired personnel of the Nigerian Air Force MWO Hamza Musa was murdered in his residence at Dutsen Bako village under Ikulu chiefdom in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State by his two sons, Mr Timothy Musa and Mr Yaro Musa as well as Mr Samson Moses a cousin to the deceased. A sum of money was stolen from his residence during the incident and shared by the suspects.”
Operation Safe Haven also announced that a kidnap attempt on a monarch, Sarki of Ikulu, His Highness Sidi Kukah was foiled by men of the operation. “In the same vein, on 25 February 24, security agencies received information on the attempted kidnap of the Sarki of Ikulu, His Highness Sidi Kukah in his place. Personnel mobilised to the location and thwarted the kidnapping attempt. Preliminary investigations showed that Mr Shuaibu Mohammed who was responsible for the murder of the Ardo of Kamuru and two others also masterminded the kidnapping attempt.”
“On 6 March 2024, personnel were able to capture the shooter of Mr Istifanus Musa 55 years in Bokkos. His actions also inflicted gunshot injuries on Mr Irimiya David 45 years at Kop village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. He is Yakubu Abdulrahman 18 years from Daffo community and has confessed to the crime.”
The operation also disclosed the apprehension of suspected Vandals and economic saboteurs who specialize in the vandalization, stealing and selling of railway equipment within the joint operation area.
“In another significant development, Operation SAFE HAVEN in collaboration with the tactical team of the Department of State Services (DSS) Plateau State Command acting on human intelligence raided an identified railway vandals/economic saboteurs’ hideout around NEPA area in Jos North LGA of Plateau State and recovered vandalised metallic railway slippers, 2 articulated trucks, 5 car batteries and one 12.5kg gas cylinder. Other items include 1 Yamaha generator, one 315 X 80 Austone tyre and 1 vehicle registration number plate.”
“Meanwhile, preliminary findings reveals that the saboteurs operate in syndicates with the aid of unscrupulous elements who facilitate the discreet conveyance of the vandalised items for onward processing in far away Lagos and Kwara States.”
Operation Safe Haven expressed gratitude to the general public, especially individuals who volunteered information leading to these successes crucial at averting reprisal attacks in the case for the murdered Ardo. They called on the public not to relent in furnishing security agencies with relevant information that could aid operations and provide an enabling environment for enhanced security and economic development.
