• Arrest 91 suspects in 10 days
Based on credible intelligence from well-meaning locals, the troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have recovered the remains of the missing Fulani leader, Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo Panyam.
The troops conducted the operations in the early hours of Thurday, and were able to identify and recover the remains of the missing Ardo around Boi, along Pankshin – Bauchi Road in Tafawa Balewa Local Council of Bauchi State. The body has since been handed over to the family for proper burial.
This breakthrough was made possible through the continued community engagements employed by OPSH.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander OPSH, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, said: “The troops worked closely with community leaders and critical stakeholders as well as family members of Ardo Adamu Gabdo to gather vital information and coordinate the search efforts. ‘’The steadfast collaboration between the leadership of OPSH and communities also demonstrates the commitment and determination of both parties to ensure justice is served on the perpetrators.
“Consequently, the recovery of Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo’s remains marked a significant step forward in unravelling the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The investigation will now proceed with renewed vigour to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime and quickly bring them to justice as directed by the Chief of Army Staff. ..’’
While commending the special operation, he extended his heartfelt condolence to Gabdo’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the troops during several operations launched between September 25, 2023 and October 4, 2023 arrested 91 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping of University of Jos student.
Other places where the criminals attacked were Takana village in Southern Kaduna, farm destruction, armed robbery, drug peddling and cattle rusting among others.
A statement, yesterday, in Jos by the Media Information Officer of OPSH, Captain Oya, stated that suspected notorious kidnappers, Bashiru Musa and Idris Abdulrahman, who have been on their Wanted List, were arrested in Mista Ali village in Bassa Local Council of Plateau State.
The suspects, according to the statement, during interrogation narrated that they were involved in the kidnapping of seven students of the University of Jos in July 2023, adding that items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special.
The statement added that the gallant troops acting on credible information also arrested Mr. Goma Abubakar and Jibril Abass in connection with the attack on Takana village in Zango Kataf Local Council of Kaduna State, where six persons were murdered in cold blood.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and provide any relevant information that may assist in the ongoing investigations. He further enjoined law abiding citizens to join hands together to create a safe and secured environment for all residents devoid of criminal elements as he assured that justice will be served on anybody found culpable.
Recall that the Ardo Adamu Idris Gabdo reportedly went missing on Sunbday 24 September 2023 when he left Bauchi State on a visit to his siblings and friends residing in Panyam of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The troops also arrested two notorious armed robbers/kidnappers Nasiru Ahmed and Isah Mamuda at Kok village in Barkin Ladi LGA while Manu Sale and Amir Shaba a notorious robbery syndicates operating along road Barkin Ladi – Mangu in Barkin Local Council were also arrested alongside an armed robbery gang leader, Mr Shaibu Abubakar at NTV village in Barkin Ladi LGA. Similar, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Yakubu a.k.a Yellow at Amper checkpoint in Kanam Local Council of Plateau State while trying to collect kidnap ransom. Items recovered from the suspects include 1 cutlass, knife, 2 mobile phones and local charms.
While on mobile operations, troops at Bokkos Local Council arrested two suspected cattle rustlers Abdullahi Ibrahim and Muhammadu Ori at Gwandu village in Bokkos Local Council. The troops also foiled a cattle rustling incident at Maiyanga village in Bassa Local Council and rescued 145 cows and handed over to the owners. During the operation, troops recovered 3 rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 3 axes.
Additionally, 57 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands at Rim village in Riyom Local Council. Furthermore,troops thwarted an attempt to kidnap one Hon Magai Peter in his residence at Ruku village in Barkin Ladi Local Council and another victim at Jeisey village. Troops’ superior fire power during encounter with the kidnappers forced them to abandon their mission and flee. Items recovered included two Bajaj Boxers’ motorcycles. Troops also rescued two kidnapped victims, Miss Silva Hassan and Salvation Obadiah at Zangang Hill, Kaura village in Kaduna State.
Also, 7 farmers were rescued at Jipun village, Pushit district of Mangu Local Council from suspected militias while harvesting crops in their farms. However, one prime suspect, Ibrahim Isah was arrested in connection with the incident. While at Nimba forest in Riyom Local Council, one Bukar Kaigama was rescued from kidnappers by the troops. Troops also intercepted a truck carrying 720 bags of Urea fertilizer with fake clearance documents. Four occupants of the truck were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.
In a similar development, troops also arrested a suspected cultist, Mafeng Gwott at Legislative quarters in Jos North Local Council and recovered a pistol loaded with 9mm special ammunition. Troops also rescued a motorcycle snatcher from mobs at Gyero junction in Jos South Local Council and handed him over to the Nigeria Police Bukuru Division for further action. OPSH troops equally arrested two herders in connection with willful destruction of farmland at Gyero general area whilst rescuing a herder, Sani Mahmuda who was earlier declared missing at Kwonga village in Jos East. Based on a tip off, troops conducted cordon and search operations in a criminal hideout at Zango Urban area of Unguwan Fulani Baya Dutse in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, four pistols, four motorcycles, cache of ammunitions and one AK – 47 magazine .
Within the week, OPSH also secured the conviction of four suspects; Kabiru Lawal, Sadiq Mohammed Dahiru, Umar Yusuf and Dauda Elkanah for criminal conspiracy, theft and receiving of stolen property. Suspects were sentenced to one year six months imprisonment each with an option of fine.
Also, troops arrested a suspect with cannabis sativa at Miango in Bassa Local of Plateau State. Additionally, 67 persons were arrested in connection to violent activities around Bolari village and seven locally fabricated rifles were recovered. Troops further recovered three mobile phones and other valuables items from suspected bandits at Garin Dogo village who fled with gunshot wounds on contact with troops.
In all, a total of 91 arrests were effected, seven suspected kidnappers, six suspected armed robbers, two cattle rustlers arrested while four victims were rescued from kidnappers and five attacks on vulnerable communities deterred and two kidnap attempts thwarted. Troops also responded promptly to a total of 24 distress calls.
The Commander OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar appreciated the good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna for the cooperation so far enjoyed and urged citizens to continually provide actionable information to troops, as they work tenaciously to protect lives and property.
He assured the general public that the arrested suspects would be charged to court immediately investigations were concluded.
