Nigerian troops kill kidnappers, arrest gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna

In a series of operations aimed at curbing criminal activities, troops of the 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralized kidnappers and apprehended suspected gunrunners, recovering significant amounts of arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna states.

Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for OPSH, released a statement on Thursday detailing the operations, which are part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.

“On March 12, 2025, troops conducted offensive operations as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A to clear criminal elements hiding around Kuru and Turu in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State,” the statement began.

“During the operation, troops made contact with kidnappers/terrorists near the high grounds in Kuru and neutralised two criminals found in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) and nine rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.”

In a separate incident, troops carried out a rescue operation near Josho Village in the Daffo District of Bokkos LGA, acting on intelligence that kidnappers were holding victims hostage.

“During the operation, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled upon sighting the troops. Consequently, troops searched the hideout and rescued two female victims — 11-year-old Miss Nanbam Adamu and Miss Dorcas Wantu, both indigenes of Mbor Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA. The rescued victims have been debriefed and handed over to their families.

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“Meanwhile, troops are currently conducting follow-up operations to intercept and neutralise the fleeing kidnappers,” the statement revealed.

On the same day, a snap checkpoint along the Bokkos-Bot-Mangu Road in Bokkos LGA led to the arrest of Sengi David, a 21-year-old “notorious gunrunner,” who was found with one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

“The suspect and recovered items are now in custody for further investigation,” the statement added.

In Kaduna State, a sting operation in Garaje Community, Jema’a LGA, resulted in the arrest of Blessed Paul, a 22-year-old alleged “notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner,” who was on the wanted list of security agencies.

“The suspect, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping and gunrunning, had earlier fled to Abuja to evade arrest. However, he was lured with the promise of purchasing one AK-47 rifle for the sum of ₦1,500,000. The suspected gunrunner agreed and met troops posing as potential buyers at a designated spot in Garaje Community, where he was apprehended,” the statement revealed.

One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition were recovered from him. He is now providing information to aid further operations.

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