Crime
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
By; Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in collaboration with Operation SAFE HAVEN, has achieved significant breakthroughs in countering criminal activities in an ongoing security operation aimed at restoring safety in Plateau State,
The intensified operations, conducted over several weeks, have led to arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal figures.
On October 23, security forces arrested two suspects believed to be masterminds of a foiled attack in Kazok Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 46 cartridges from the suspects. The next day, on October 24, security agencies thwarted an armed robbery on Bot-Foreiyinte Road in Bokkos LGA, rescuing two victims and confiscating a fabricated rifle and ammunition.
In a further operation on October 26 in Garkawa, Mikang LGA, security forces dismantled a criminal syndicate, arresting four suspects and seizing a Beretta pistol, an AK-47 magazine, and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Additionally, on October 31, security operatives acting on intelligence apprehended a female suspect in Bassa LGA who had been impersonating a soldier to intimidate residents. Authorities confiscated an automatic rifle, military uniforms, and other equipment from her.
On November 2, troops launched an intelligence-based raid in Luwaran Village, Jos North LGA, where the wife of a known bandit led them to an AK-47 rifle buried on the village outskirts.
The bandit narrowly escaped capture, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. In a dawn raid on November 3 in Kwatas District, Bokkos LGA, security forces arrested two suspected bandits linked to local security breaches, recovering a fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm ammunition and additional rounds.
A major success was recorded on November 4 in Wase LGA, where security forces neutralized Kachalla Saleh, a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Mai Rasha,” during an operation in Kinishi Forest. Officials recovered 500,000 Naira believed to be part of a ransom collected by Saleh. On November 5, security forces foiled an armed robbery in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, apprehending two suspects and recovering 130,000 Naira taken from victims.
In Zangon Kataf LGA on November 6, security agencies disrupted a kidnapping attempt, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning a Magnum pump-action gun, an AK-47 magazine, and other fabricated weapons. Most recently, on November 11, security forces responded to kidnappers’ activity in Anguwan Kwata, Bokkos LGA, neutralizing one armed suspect after a confrontation.
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected spy and neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East theatre.
According to sources, the troops of 198 Special Forces Battalion apprehended a suspected spy on 25 April 2026 at about 21:40 hours while conducting surveillance operations along a parapet area within their operational environment.
The suspect was reportedly observed through while conducting reconnaissance on troop dispositions before attempting to conceal himself in nearby shrubs.
The sources stated that troops on standing patrol swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect, who could not provide any identification details and declined to give information during preliminary questioning.
He is currently in custody for further interrogation to determine his motive and possible links to hostile elements operating in the area.
In a separate development within the same theatre, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists around Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area.
The encounter, which occurred late on 25 April 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, with troops recovering a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition after the attackers were forced to withdraw in disarray.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation remains fluid but under close monitoring, while reaffirming that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain high as counter-terrorism operations continue across the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Delta Force, have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers during a routine security operation in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State.
Sources said the suspects were apprehended on April 25 at about 1600 hours inside an excavation area near the Tango 8 General Post ahead of the Marlians Mammy area.
The suspects were identified as Malam Modu Kur and Baba Goni Bacha, aged 20 and 16 respectively.
According to the sources, a search of the area did not yield further incriminating items, but troops recovered two mobile phones, a Bluetooth earpod, a cutlass, a bow and arrow, and three bottles of water from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the movement of the suspects within the anti-vehicle ditch raised suspicion among troops on duty, leading to their interception and arrest.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the relevant military intelligence unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, the statement added, was conducted without resistance and in line with ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities within the theatre of operations.
Zagazola reports that military authorities have continued intensified patrols and clearance operations across parts of Borno and surrounding areas in a bid to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier during a routine security operation in Kurnari area of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Prilla Bulama Ali, was arrested on April 24 at about 4:25 p.m. following credible intelligence and a three-week surveillance operation.
The suspect was intercepted at a checkpoint mounted by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion in collaboration with local vigilantes.
According to the source, the suspect was found in possession of a tricycle loaded with petrol, alongside mobile phones, a power bank, a debit card, a national identity card, a cutlass, and other suspected incriminating items including charms.
The source said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was heading towards Helmajibir general area in Biu Local Government Area when he was apprehended.
He added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military sources said that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to supplies and local collaborators in the North-East theatre of operations.
Military authorities assured that operations under Operation Hadin Kai would continue to intensify pressure on terrorist elements until normalcy is fully restored in the region.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustlers in Maiduguri
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