Troops of Operation Safe Haven have apprehended 19 criminal suspects in Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna states, in a series of operations, as disclosed in an official statement released by the Nigerian Army X handle on Tuesday.

The suspects were detained for a range of offenses, including kidnapping, murder, illicit drug trafficking, and banditry.

The statement reads, “Three were arrested for kidnapping, while 4 were arrested for murder. Four suspects were apprehended in connection with attacks on villages, and 2 for illicit drug peddling, while 4 bandits were neutralized. Furthermore, 4 victims were rescued from kidnappers, 6 attacks on vulnerable communities were averted, and 13 distress calls were promptly responded to.”

“On 1 November 2023, troops neutralized two bandits at Dutse village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Similarly, on 2 November 2023, two terrorists, Buwa Tafawa and Gyang Yusuf, were neutralized around Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Also, on 3 November 2023, troops, in conjunction with vigilante members, foiled an attempted attack on Kuba village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State by unidentified gunmen, neutralizing one of the attackers in the process, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”

The Commander of OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the communities in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Bauchi States for their continuous support of the troops.

He confirmed that all detained suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were completed.