Troops Nab 5 Plateau Robbers, Raid ‘Small London’ in Benue
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested five suspected armed robbers at a snap checkpoint established at Makera town, in Plateau State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
DHQ, said the suspects were arrested along with a red Vectra car with registration number PLATEAU BF-335-JJN, used in perpetrating their heinous crimes.
The criminals, according to Maj. Gen. John Enenche, confessed to be members of a syndicate who specialize in robbing unsuspecting passengers along the highways.
Enenche, who was speaking in Abuja, while giving an update on military operations across the country, said the suspects are being profiled, after which they will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.
He also said troops also apprehended two armed robbers following credible intelligence report on their activities in Rukkaya village of Mavo district, in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
In a related development, Gen. Enenche, Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), disclosed that troops of Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard stationed at Olamaboro LGA of Kogi State, on 15 August 2020 arrested two suspected armed bandits.
He noted that the arrests were made at Abarkponi Guest House in Okpo Community of Olamaboro LGA following a tip-off.
“Items recovered from the suspects include a service pistol, charms and GSM handsets. The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution,” Enenche added.
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The DMO Coordinator, further said troops of Sector 2 Operation Whirl Stroke, on 18 August 2020, acting on credible intelligence on the location of a hideout being used by some armed militia linked to wanted Benue militia leader Terwase Akwaza aka Gana around Abaji in Katsina Ala LGA of Benue State, swiftly conducted a dawn raid operation on the identified hideout popularly known as small London located at Amafu village.
He explained that after contact was made with the armed militia men, troops swiftly responded with superior fire, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding forest.
According to him, one of the wanted kingpins, Mr. Atsor aka smallie was neutralized during the encounter while others escaped.
Maj. Gen. Enenche, said troops recovered one AK 47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that Headquarters Operation Safe Haven, as part Of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, on 12 August 2020, commissioned a total of 6 hand pump boreholes at various communities in Plateau State.
Three of the boreholes were commissioned at Mazat, a Fulani community in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, Mungi and Shimilang communities in Mangu LGA.
The other 3 boreholes were commissioned at 332 AR barracks (the location of FOB Shendam) and Kuka and Aningo villages in Shendam LGA of Plateau State.
The projects were part of Operation Safe Haven CIMIC activities aimed at enhancing cordial relations with host communities in the state towards achieving total peace on the Plateau.
Furthermore, Headquarters Operation Safe Haven also held stakeholders meeting with Fulani leaders at Gidan Ado, as well as Maiyanga, Hura, Zirishe and Dundu community leaders, all in Riyom LGA Plateau State.
Similarly, meetings were held with JNI (Jama’atu Nasril Islam) and CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) leaders in Barkin Ladi LGA, and also with community leaders at Fadan Karshi village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
