By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive intelligence-led operation, troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested two notorious gunrunners suspected to be behind a string of violent crimes in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.
In an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the arrests were made following a coordinated operation carried out in the early hours of Sunday, 11 May 2025, at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
According to Major Zhakom, the operation followed the arrest of a known gunrunner and kidnapper, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, on 10 May 2025 at Barakin Gangare, also in Barkin Ladi LGA. Based on actionable intelligence gathered from the initial arrest, troops launched a follow-up operation which led to the capture of another notorious gunrunner and kidnapper, Mr. Saeedu Haruna.
During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and one ITEL phone. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects and their criminal syndicate are responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings along the Gashish and Kurra Falls axis in Barkin Ladi LGA, and also in Gwantu and Fadan Karshe areas of Sanga LGA in Kaduna State.
Major Zhakom stated that the arrested individuals are currently in custody and have begun making useful confessions. He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Operation SAFE HAVEN has commended the support of local residents, whose cooperation was instrumental in exposing the hideouts of criminal elements. The Media Information Officer further encouraged the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security forces, as troops remain committed to the protection of lives and property and the elimination of non-state actors operating within the Joint Operations Area.
