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 Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 16 Brigade Garrison operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted a vehicle conveying about 400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Security sources said the interception occurred at about 3:10 p.m. on May 12, 2026, along the Oruma–Kolocreek road during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the area.
According to the sources, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops approaching the area.
The vehicle and the illegally refined petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with operational directives guiding Operation Delta Safe activities.
The military has sustained operations across the Niger Delta to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage threatening the nation’s oil infrastructure.
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two additional suspects in Damaturu, Yobe State, over alleged involvement in the supply of ammunition to terrorists operating in the North-East.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 12:05 p.m. on May 11, 2026, following intelligence obtained through communication intercepts linked to an earlier arrest of a repentant member of ISWAP.
The suspects were apprehended in Damaturu town, headquarters of Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that one of the suspects had been assigned to collect ammunition from the second suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
Military sources disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while efforts are ongoing to track down the alleged terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The development is part of ongoing counterterrorism and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting logistics and supply networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State have intercepted a woman suspected to be linked to members of ISWAP during a foot patrol operation.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 10:25 a.m. on May 12, 2026, while troops were conducting routine patrol activities within the area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included a detergent, a washing soap, a torchlight and five seasoning cubes.
During preliminary interrogation, the woman allegedly stated that she was travelling from Gezuwa to reunite with four of her children, who are suspected to be members of the terrorist groups.
The suspect is currently in military custody pending further investigation and necessary action by security authorities.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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