The Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos formerly known as the Special Task Force (STF) has said that it had apprehended some criminals and terrorists in the state. This was contained yesterday in a news statement by the spokesman of the organisation, Captain Ikedichi Iweha from their headquarters.

According to Iweha: “In keeping with the tradition of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Jos of updating residents within its area of operational responsibility with developments as they occur, the OPSH states: “Arrests have continued to be made of members of the terrorist cell and other criminals in various parts of the state.

While the high profile suspects are relocated out of town for investigation, other suspects will be handed over as soon as investigation is concluded on their cases for prosecution by appropriate security agencies. “Members of the general public are still requested to continue to maintain high vigilance especially around places where a large number of persons will be gathered. Park operators and managers, market unions, mosques, churches, schools and relaxation spots operators are all enjoined to embrace security measures around their vicinities.”

According to Iweha: “Following the report of the rustling of cattle belonging to one Sale Bala of Lugare Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on October 11, 2015, personnel of OPSH engaged the rustlers in a hot pursuit with exchange of fire forcing the rustlers to abandon the loot. The cattle numbering 52 cows and 22 rams were shared into smaller groups to enable faster escape of the rustlers. The recovered cattle were handed over to Sale Bala in the presence of the Secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association in Barkin Ladi.

In the same vein, 14 cows belonging to Nanbol Nimyel of Pinau Village in Wase Local Government Area were also recovered from rustlers who carted away the cows at gun point. The rustlers were overcome by superior firepower in the process of recovery and the cows handed over to the chairman of Miyetti Allah cattle breeders association, Wase branch for onward return to Nanbol.

Similarly, troops restrained cattle belonging to one Abdulkarim Adamu which were reported to have encroached illegally and grazing on the farm of one Thomas Chollom all of Rakum Village of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“A meeting was mediated between both parties by personnel of OPSH and the sum of N50, 000.00 only was assessed to have been the damage caused by the cattle.

The sum was paid to Chollom by Abdulkarim before the cattle were released to their owner.”
Iweha continued: “It would be recalled that as part of measures being put in place by the Commander of OPSH, Major General Tagbo Ude, to stem the clashes between herdsmen and locals in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas which mostly lead to loss of lives and property, the commander had directed the enforcement of the payment of compensation for the killing of cattle and illegal grazing on crops in farm lands to their owners.

“You will recollect that following the Kadunu incidence in which lives, houses and other property were lost and the role played by OPSH to prevent a relapse to reprisal, the OPSH wishes to state that it would not condone any situation in which its personnel and equipment would be the subject of any form of deliberate attack, covertly or overtly. This warning is coming on the heels of the recent discovery and detonation of suspected land mines planted on road Gyambus in Mangu Local Government Council to impede the response of OPSH to emergency situations. The land mines were positively identified and detonated by a technical team of mine sweepers from 43 Division Engineering services.
“Whereas the OPSH are impartial arbiters to the conflict on the Plateau, it would not hesitate to deal a heavy hand towards the direction of any group of persons who would be found to be involved in orchestrating any form of attack.
“The OPSH reiterates its readiness to respond to any act of breach of security or criminality which is capable of causing possible death and destruction of property promptly. While assuring residents within its area of operational responsibility of their safety all times, it however would like to solicit information from members of the community. It assures that any such information provided would be treated with absolute confidentiality.
‘The OPSH would want to reassure members of the general public of its determination to protect lives and property of all law abiding citizens. We also continue to thank the good peoples of our communities for their co-operation in providing prompt information to security agencies bordering on public safety.”