The Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, covering Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi States has bursted a gang of kidnappers operating in the region.
No fewer than 13 of the bandits were arrested for alleged kidnapping, banditry, rustling and other criminal offences.
The Media Officer of OPSH, Capt. James Oya in a statement on Tuesday in Jos, said that the troops also recovered 279 rustled cows and arms and ammunition.
Oya explained that OPSH recorded the breakthrough in an operation it conducted between Oct.2 and October 9, adding that the suspects were arrested in some communities within its areas of responsibility.
“Between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, our troops arrested 13 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, prison break, peddling illicit drugs and rustling.
“We also recovered illegal arms and ammunition.
“Troops recovered a total of 279 cows and six sheep over destruction of crops on farmlands across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively”, he said.
The media officer added that within the period under review, it troops also foiled attempts by gunmen to attack Washina and Razak communities in Mangu and Barkin Ladi councils of Plateau State.
Oya, who called on the residents in the area to support its efforts toward stemming down crime and criminality, also urged them to be law abiding at all times.
He also assured the residents that OPSH would continue to be fair and just to all, stressing that its duty aimed at securing lives and property of law abiding citizens.
