Troops Arrest Bandit, Recover Arms In Kaduna, Plateau

Troops of 3 Division Operation Safe Haven have apprehended a suspected armed bandit at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

LEADERSHIP reports that the arrest followed intensified raids on gunrunners’ hideouts as part of ongoing Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, in continuation of efforts to rid the joint operations area of illicit arms and ammunition,

A statement in Jos, Plateau State capital by OPSH Media Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom said the suspect was dressed in a military combat camouflage with the intention to impersonate troops to attack passersby and rob unsuspecting members of the public.

Zhakom disclosed that the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 7 empty cases of 7.62 mm (Special), one fake vigilante identity card, one mobile phone and 2 ATM cards from the suspect.

He further added that the unnamed suspect has been taken into custody for further action.

In another development, troops, in the early hours of Monday 16th June, 2025, also raided the hideout of a notorious gunrunning syndicate at Kwanar Lauje in Bassa LGA of Plateau State.

Zhakom explained that although members of the syndicate fled their hideout before the arrival of the troops, a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of cache of arms and ammunition.

He listed items recovered at the hideout to include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one AK-47 rifle butt, 300 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), one round of 9 mm and 2 rounds of 23 mm SHILKA mounted anti-aircraft gun ammunition.

“Troops also recovered one motorcycle abandoned by the criminals. The recovered items are in custody while troops are conducting follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing criminals,” Major Zhakom said.

The Information Officer assured that the troops will continue to maintain aggressive posture against criminal elements within the joint operations area, with a view to frustrate criminals and get them arrested to face the full wrath of the law.