The Defense Headquarters said Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) troops “neutralized” three kidnappers on Friday during a commando operation in Plateau State’s Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement in Abuja on Saturday by the coordinator, Defense Media Operations, John Enenche.
Mr Enenche, a major-general, said the operation was in continuation of intensive clearance operations under Operation Accord aimed at curtailing the activities of bandits and other criminals in the North West and North Central region.
He said the raid was a sequel to technical and human intelligence about a notorious kidnap kingpin ‘s activities at Pialat Hotel in Kwa.
According to him, troops overwhelmed the suspects who opened fire on them, with superior fire power, killing three of them while others escaped with gun shot wounds.
Mr Enenche added that the troops had recovered a Barreta pistol, a single barrel gun, two fabricated pistols, four 9 mm ammunition rounds, three 7.62 mm special ammunition rounds, four cartridges, one motorcycle and one techno phone.
He further revealed that the same troops rescued one Salisu Abdullahi, a herder, in collaboration with local vigilante, who was missing while grazing around Bakin Rafi in the general area of Gidan Ado in the Riyom Local Government Area.
A suspected kidnapper, one Alhaji Idris around Hawan-Kibo general area also in Riyom Local Government Area, was captured by troops according to him.
He added that four other suspected kidnappers have been apprehended in connection with the abduction of one Abdullahi Abdullahi in the Kwahas-Lahir area of the state’s Mangu Local Government Area.
According to him all suspects have been handed over for further investigation and prosecution to relevant civil authorities.
“Additionally, as part of Operation Accord Civil-Military cooperation activities, Headquaters Operation Safe Haven distributed relief materials to residents of Daffo district and Kuba village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“This was aimed at cushioning the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Military High Command congratulates Operation Safe Haven for their commitment.
“While the general public is requested to continue to provide timely and credible information to the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.