The military Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested 40 suspected violent extremists syndicates in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East LGAs and in Ado, Makurdi, Ogbadibo and Guma LGAs all in Benue and Plateau States respectively as well as notorious gunrunner operating within Nasarawa and Taraba States.
In a statement, the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who made this known disclosed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 32 violent extremists and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages, while troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 8 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.
He said, Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested suspected notorious gunrunner and foiled kidnap incidents in Wase, Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.
Recovery of Weapon.
On 10 January 2024, troops responded to information of burning of herders settlement by suspected locals in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops made no contact. Troops exploited the general area and arrested 10 suspects as well as recovered one AK47 rifle.
Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/insurgent.
On 11 and 12 January 2024, following a tip off, troops in a separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops recovered a gas cylinder and the sum of Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand Naira (₦267,000.00) only.
Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnappers.
On 11 January 2024, based on credible report, troops arrested 2 notorious kidnappers identified as Mr Jaberu Umar and Usman Abdullahi Abdulkarim in Kauru and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively.
On 12 and 14 January 2024, following report, troops in separate operations arrested 2 notorious violent extremist and kidnapper that has been on the wanted list of security agencies in Jos East and Kauru LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. One of the suspect was identified as Umaru Nuhu a notorious kidnapper.
Arrest of Suspected Notorious Gunrunners. On 14 January 2024, based on report, troops in separate operations arrested 3 notorious gunrunners in Wase and Nasarawa LGAs of Plateau and Nasarawa States respectively. One of the suspect is identified as Yellow. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one Beretta pistol, 4 fabricated guns, one AK 47 rifle receiver cover, 741 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 26 magazines, one vehicle and filing machine.
Kidnap Incidents.
Between 12 and 15 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information of kidnapping incident in Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnapper and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
Raid Operations.
On 13 January 2024, as a follow up to ongoing investigation on an arrested gunrunners, troops raided another of his violent extremists/gunrunners associate at his hideout in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 members of the syndicate.
Major General Edward Buba also disclosed that the Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review. They arrested a suspected violent extremists/vandals, arrested an impostor, conducted raid operations and arrested violent extremists/gunrunners in Ado, Makurdi, Ogbadibo and Guma LGAs all in Benue State.
Arrest of Suspected Vandals.
On 11 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information of an auto accident involving one truck loaded with stolen rail tracks in Ado LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected vandals and recovered 2 corpses from the scene.
Arrest of Impostor.
On 11 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested an impostor identified as Mr Orhule Lough in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. Suspect was arrested dressed in a woodland camo trousers and t-shirt. Troops recovered the sum of One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦1,850.00) only and assorted charms.
Raid Operations.
On 16 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers’ hideout and made contact in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 10 mobile phones.
Arrest of Gunrunner.
On 14 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested one Yahaya Haruna Musa in Guma LGA of Benue State. Preliminary investigation revealed the arrested person as a member of a violent extremist syndicate and a notorious gunrunner operating within Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded massive operational achievements across all the theatres of operations in the country.
By SpyeTV News/Olayemi Esan