Troops of the 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against criminal elements in the North Central region, following a series of successful operations across Wase and Qua’an Pan Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
In the early hours of Tuesday, 3 June 2025, troops acting on credible intelligence launched a targeted operation along the Plateau-Taraba border. The operation was initiated following a tip-off on planned attacks by bandits targeting Kampani Zurak community in Wase LGA.
According to a statement by Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, troops made contact with the criminals at their concentration point at Dutsen Zaki High Ground. In the ensuing gun battle, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“During the operation, troops also rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr. Auwalu Isa (24), who had been abducted from Kampani Zurak,” Major Zhakom stated. “He has since been debriefed and reunited with his family.”
In a separate operation at approximately 1:20 PM, troops acting on intelligence regarding the concealment of weapons in Pandam Forest (Qua’an Pan LGA), launched a tactical sweep of the area. The operation revealed a freshly dug spot, which on excavation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The items were reportedly hidden by fleeing bandits under pressure from ongoing operations, particularly Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
The recovered arms and ammunition are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army for further investigation and security action. Troops continue to pursue the fleeing criminals and are sustaining operational momentum to uncover further weapon caches.
These achievements underscore the unwavering resolve of Operation SAFE HAVEN to protect lives and property in its Joint Operations Area, while dismantling criminal infrastructure and dislodging insurgent hideouts.
“Relentless pressure and aggressive operations remain the only way to dismantle criminal networks and retrieve illegal arms,” the statement emphasized.
