Troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven Arrest Bandit, Recover Arms and Ammunition in Kaduna and Plateau States
Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN have recorded notable successes in their ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking and banditry under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA'A.
On June 15, 2025, troops intercepted and arrested a suspected armed bandit at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect, who was found wearing military combat camouflage in an attempt to impersonate security personnel, was reportedly planning to ambush and rob unsuspecting members of the public.
Items recovered from the suspect include:
One AK-47 rifle
One AK-47 magazine
Three rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition
Seven empty cases of 7.62 mm (Special)
One fake vigilante identity card
One mobile phone
Two ATM cards
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
In a related development, during the early hours of June 16, 2025, troops raided the hideout of a notorious gunrunning syndicate at Kwanar Lauje in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Although the suspects had fled before troops arrived, a thorough search of the location led to the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, including:
One AK-47 rifle
One AK-47 magazine
One AK-47 rifle butt
300 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition
One round of 9 mm ammunition
Two rounds of 23 mm SHILKA anti-aircraft gun ammunition
One motorcycle abandoned at the scene.
All recovered items are in military custody, and follow-up operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an aggressive posture against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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