Security forces in Plateau State have arrested an alleged notorious cultist, Fidelis Adamu, and a suspected criminal syndicate member, Nashak Wilson, in separate operations conducted by troops of the 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN.

Adamu, identified as a member of the Jungle Boys cult group, was apprehended on March 20, 2025, at Angwan Gainyeh in the Sakon-Gyel area of Jos South Local Government Area. His arrest followed intelligence reports that the group was planning attacks on prominent individuals, including political officeholders and community leaders, in response to the state’s ban on illegal mining.

“The suspect is currently in custody and making useful confessions, while troops are tracking other members of the cult group,” Major Samson Nantip, Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, said in a Sunday statement.

According to the statement, Nashak Wilson was arrested on 23 March 2025, when troops on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A responded to information about criminal activities around Youth Centre at Sabon Layi Axis in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

The troops made contact with the miscreants, engaged, and overwhelmed the criminals forcing them to flee.

“The general area was exploited by the combat troops and one of the criminals named Nashak Wilson aged 29 years was arrested armed with one AK-47 rifle loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special). Further exploitation led to the recovery of 30 cows rustled by the criminal syndicate.

“The recovered cows have been handed over to the owner, while the arrested suspect, recovered rifle, and ammunition are in custody for further action.

“Operation SAFE HAVEN is determined in its quest to sanitise the entire Joint Operations Area of criminal activities and denying miscreants freedom of action,” the statement by the Army spokesperson indicated/