Troops of the 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry with the successful neutralization of a suspected bandit and the rescue of a kidnapped victim in Plateau State.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday along the Kampani ZurakSabon Gari road in Wase Local Government Area, is part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMAA, a military initiative designed to flush out criminal elements from the region.
According to military sources, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at known bandit crossing points after receiving reports of a recent abduction in the area. The soldiers engaged a group of bandits transporting their victim on a motorcycle, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
In the brief exchange, one of the bandits was killed, while others fled into the nearby bushes, abandoning their captive and several items, said Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, in a statement issued Wednesday in Jos.
He added that the rescued victim was identified as 45-year-old Mr. Adamu Nuhu.
Items recovered at the scene included a fabricated pistol, one magazine, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Boxer motorcycle, and other materials left behind by the fleeing suspects.
The recovered arms and equipment are currently in military custody for further investigation. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend the escaping members of the criminal syndicate, the statement added.
Operation SAFE HAVEN reiterated its call for public support through the provision of timely and reliable information to help prevent and address threats to lives and property.
