Jos, March 13, 2025 – Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), in their ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have neutralized two kidnappers and arrested notorious gunrunners while recovering arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna States.
On March 12, 2025, troops launched an offensive operation targeting criminal elements hiding around Kuru and Turu in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. During the operation, they engaged a group of kidnappers and terrorists, neutralizing two criminals found in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and nine rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops mounted a checkpoint along the Bokkos-Bot-Mangu road in Bokkos LGA, acting on intelligence about arms trafficking in the area. They intercepted a 21-year-old suspected gunrunner, Mr. Sengi David, from Kopal Village in Panyam District of Mangu LGA. He was found with one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Similarly, on March 11, 2025, troops conducted a sting operation in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and gunrunner, Mr. Blessed Paul, aged 22. The suspect, who had been on security agencies’ wanted list, had fled to Abuja to evade arrest. However, he was lured back under the pretext of selling an AK-47 rifle for ₦1,500,000. Upon arrival at the meeting point, he was arrested, and security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. The suspect is currently providing useful intelligence to assist security forces in tracking other members of the criminal network.
In another successful operation on March 12, 2025, troops conducted a rescue mission in the outskirts of Josho Village, Daffo District, Bokkos LGA, following credible intelligence on kidnapped victims in the area. The criminals abandoned their captives and fled upon sighting the troops. As a result, two female victims, Miss Nanbam Adamu (11 years old) and Miss Dorcas Wantu, both from Mbor Village in Mushere District, were rescued. The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while security forces continue follow-up operations to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
The military has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and security while urging residents to provide credible information that can aid ongoing security operations.
