Troops Nab Notorious Gunrunners, Recover Weapon in Plateau State

Jos, Plateau State – In a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, supported by an intelligence agency, successfully apprehended a notorious gunrunner and recovered an assault rifle during an intelligence-led operation conducted in the early hours of yesterday, Saturday, May 11, 2025.

The operation, which took place at Marit Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, was a follow-up to the arrest of another suspected gunrunner and kidnapper, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, who was apprehended on Friday, May 10, 2025, at Barakin Gangare in the same LGA.

During the subsequent operation, the troops successfully tracked and arrested Mr. Saeedu Haruna, identified as a notorious gunrunner and kidnapper. Authorities also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and one ITEL mobile phone from the suspect.

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Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Haruna and his syndicate are allegedly responsible for a significant number of criminal activities in several areas, including Gashish and Kurra Falls within Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, as well as Gwantu and Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA of neighboring Kaduna State.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are reportedly providing useful information to investigators. Operation SAFE HAVEN has indicated that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of this criminal network and to recover any additional weapons in their possession.

Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, commended the public for their valuable cooperation in providing crucial information that led to the exposure of criminal hideouts. He further urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to the troops as they work to dismantle non-state actors and ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the Joint Operations Area.