The Nigerian Force in Plateau State claimed the special military Taskforce had neutralised seven bandits and detained 33 others in separate operations across the state and some parts of adjoining Kaduna State in the last week.
Captain Oya James, the Military Taskforce’s spokesman, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, the forces recovered 15 abduction victims and prevented assaults in three vulnerable neighbourhoods, according to James.
He said the Troops on November 13, 2023, acting on a tip-off detained Mr Suleiman Mohammed in possession of one AK 47 weapon and a mobile phone in the Bakin Kogi region of Kaduna State’s Zangon Kataf LGA.
James stated that on November 13, 2023, troops detained five individuals in connection with a criminal attack on Mr Sati Pewat on his farm at Tileng Paat village in Plateau State’s Mangu LGA.
He further said that on November 14, 2023, troops launched a raid at Tileng Paat village in Pushit area of Mangu LGA, Plateau State, and detained one Umurana Adamu in possession of an AK 47 rifle, one magazine, and 9 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The statement read:
“Similarly, on 14 November 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a suspected arms dealer, Mr Rufai Abdullahi at Kamuru area in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 14 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with bandits at Kachallah high-ground and engaged them with superior firepower resulting in the neutralisation of 6 bandits while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Troops further explored the area and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 2 magazines, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special, one motorcycle, 2 Tecno phones, 2 packs of cigarettes, 56 rounds of 7.62mm Special, and 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
“In another development, On 14 November 2023, troops neutralised a suspected bandit, Musa Wada during a search operation at Kondo village. Additionally, on 14 November 2023, troops responded to information on a planned attack by suspected militias on Tileng Paat village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops’ timely response averted the attack and the area was subsequently dominated by patrol.
“In all, between 13 to 20 November 2023, a total of 33 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes within the last week. Five were arrested for kidnapping, 6 for dealing in arms, 2 for murder, 4 for railway vandalism, and 2 for farm destruction, while 7 bandits were neutralised. Additionally, 15 kidnapped victims were rescued, 3 attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred and 8 distress calls were promptly responded to.”
cc: Punch Ng
