Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Safe Haven have rescued a kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected bandit during a security operation in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, the rescue took place along the Kampani Zurak–Sabon Gari road. The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed criminals who had earlier kidnapped a local resident.
The troops, who are part of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, laid an ambush for the kidnappers at one of their known crossing points. Upon making contact with the suspects, the soldiers engaged them. In the gunfire that followed, one of the bandits was shot and killed, while the rest fled into the nearby bush, leaving behind the kidnapped victim.
The rescued victim was identified as 45-year-old Adamu Alhaji Nuhu. He was found unhurt and is now in safe hands. During the operation, the troops also recovered several items from the criminals. These include:
= One locally fabricated pistol
= One pistol magazine
= Four rounds of 9mm ammunition
= One Boxer motorcycle used by the criminals
= Other personal belongings
All the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and necessary action.
Major Zhakom added that security forces have launched follow-up operations to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits who escaped during the encounter. The military said it remains committed to ensuring peace and safety in Plateau State and its surrounding areas.
Operation Safe Haven is a multi-agency security task force currently active in Plateau and some parts of Kaduna and Bauchi States. It was launched to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the North Central region.
