In a resolute demonstration of their dedication to public safety, troops from Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) successfully executed Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from August 21 to 28, 2023. The operation led to the arrest of 17 criminal suspects involved in crimes ranging from murder to kidnapping and armed robbery. Alongside these arrests, illegal arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs were seized.
Five suspects were apprehended in connection with the murder of Mr. Joshua Deme, who tragically lost his life on his farm in Kassa village, located in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Simultaneously, a meticulously planned sting operation was executed at Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of Mr. Baba Yusuf Habu, a suspected kidnapper who had long been sought by OPSH.
An attempted kidnapping was also thwarted by the rapid response of the troops at Angwan Takai village in the Bokkos Local Government Area, following a prompt distress call. The operation’s scope extended to Gwash and Kamantan villages in Jos North/Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States, where a cache of arms, including 1 pistol, cartridges, and 7.62mm special rounds, were recovered.
A significant arrest was made in Kafanchan town, where a notorious armed robber, Mohammed Lawal, was apprehended. In the wake of his capture, two fabricated rifles and a pistol were seized. Adding to the operation’s achievements, a truck transporting vandalized railway tracks was intercepted along Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
Further reinforcing their commitment to community safety, the troops carried out a sting operation in Waye Foundation Du, Jos South LGA, leading to the arrest of Maxwell Dusu Davou, a suspected drug kingpin. The operation yielded substances believed to be illicit drugs.
Amidst these successes, a combat patrol yielded a confrontation in the Alaghom and Mangu areas, ultimately neutralizing several bandits. The recovered items included an AK-47 rifle and a fabricated rifle. Additionally, 237 cows were rescued from farm destruction and cattle rustling activities in various areas, including Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Fas, and Riyom.
During the operation period, a total of 17 arrests were made, 9 kidnapping victims were rescued, 6 armed robbery attempts were foiled, and 4 potential attacks on vulnerable communities were thwarted. Operation SAFE HAVEN remains steadfast in its promise to provide unwavering protection to the residents of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna. The operation vows to continue its swift response to distress calls, ensuring the eradication of criminal elements from these communities.
Captain OYA JAMES, Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, reiterated these accomplishments to the public, underlining the operation’s resolute commitment to maintaining security and order in the region.
 
