News
Operation Safe Haven Strikes Again: Gunrunners Arrested in Plateau State
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms trafficking, troops from Operation Safe Haven have arrested two notorious gunrunners and seized a cache of automatic weapons in Plateau State. This operation follows closely on the heels of the apprehension of five gunrunners just three days earlier in Jos North Local Government Area.
On September 18, 2024, intelligence-led operations at the Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos Town led to the arrest of Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict, who were reportedly finalizing the sale of arms valued at approximately Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000). Security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles, one automatic pistol, and three AK-47 magazines during the operation.
The suspects are currently in custody for interrogation, with authorities aiming to uncover information that could lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate. The recent arrests and arms recoveries highlight a persistent threat of criminal activity that transcends ethno-religious lines, emphasizing the need for a united front against such threats.
“Criminality is a common enemy that we must jointly tackle to afford law-abiding citizens the freedom to carry out their socio-economic endeavors without fear,” stated Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Military Public Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven. He reiterated the importance of community involvement in providing credible information to assist security agencies in their operations.
Operation Safe Haven remains committed to combating the proliferation of firearms, which is a major contributor to security challenges in the region. The military has called upon the citizens of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna to actively participate in efforts to ensure a safer environment.
As the operation continues, the security agencies are resolute in their mission to disrupt illegal arms trafficking and enhance the safety of the communities they serve.
The Kwankwassiyya Movement has revealed its next line of action following the omission of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, deputy governorship candidate in Kano State, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Kwankwaso and his principal, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, were omitted from the list published by INEC.
The NDC has since described the omission as an error, saying it is seeking a correction.
Speaking on Arise Television, Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwassiyya Movement, said there was no apparent reason for the omission, adding that the movement would engage INEC to resolve the issue.
“It came as a shock because there had been no issue with INEC. Kwankwas, a former deputy governor, is registered with the NDC and met the stipulated deadline.
“Electoral provisions give candidates 14 days to seek redress if their names are omitted from the list. We will explore that opportunity and engage with INEC,” he said.
He added: “Actually, we believe there is no particular reason for the omission. INEC itself has not advanced any reason. We believe it may be an administrative error or something else because we do not have any pending judgment or court order.
“This is a man who has already served as a deputy governor, so we cannot even question his qualification. We also believe he was duly registered with the NDC within the stipulated period.
“Therefore, the omission came as a shock. However, in politics, we have seen many things, and we believe there are always ways to resolve issues. There is also a provision in the Electoral Act.
“If he is not on INEC’s list, I believe the Kwankwassiyya Movement, being law-abiding and committed to doing things the right way, will explore that opportunity and engage INEC. We are confident that the matter will be resolved because we see no reason why it should be otherwise.”
Kano guber: Kwankwassiyya reveals next line of action over disqualification of NDC candidate
Suspected bandits have killed a 28-year-old vigilante member, Goyok Jamok, in Magi Mbar village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on October 10, prompting troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed in Mbar, to respond to the attack.
According to the sources, the troops arrived at the scene and found Jamok dead from gunshot wounds.
“The troops discovered that Jamok had been shot dead by the suspected kidnappers,” the sources said.
The assailants reportedly fled the scene after sighting the approaching troops, abandoning their mission.
The victim’s relatives later evacuated his remains for burial.
The sources said security personnel had launched efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“The troops are making efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” they added.
No further details were provided about the circumstances surrounding the killing or the identities of the suspected assailants.
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