The Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN (OSPH), Major Samson Zhakom, said on Thursday that troops of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have killed two kidnappers and arrested suspected gunrunners while recovering arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna states.
A statement on Thursday said that the troops conducted offensive operations as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A to clear criminal elements hiding around Kuru and Turu in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He said the troops mounted checkpoints along the Bokkos-Bot-Mangu Road in Bokkos LGA following credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition in the area.
“During the operation, troops made contact with kidnappers/terrorists near the high grounds in Kuru and neutralised two criminals found in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) and nine rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.”
“The rescued victims have been debriefed and handed over to their families. Meanwhile, troops are currently conducting follow-up operations to intercept and neutralise the fleeing kidnappers,” the statement revealed.
Zhakom said 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.
He said, “The suspect, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping and gunrunning, had earlier fled to Abuja to evade arrest.”
Subsequently, he noted that a 22-year-old described as a “notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner,” Blessed Paul, was arrested during a sting operation on 11 March in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State.
Detailing the operation, Zhakom said Paul was lured with the promise to purchase one AK-47 rifle for the sum of N1,500,000.
According to him, the suspected gunrunner agreed and met troops posing as potential buyers at a designated spot in Garaje Community, where he was apprehended.
He further noted that one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition were reportedly recovered from the suspect, who is now making useful confessions to assist troops in further operations to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.
