Crime
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.
The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.
His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.
Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.
In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.
The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.
The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops raid criminal hideout, rescue kidnapped victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have raided a criminal hideout in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising several criminals, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on Tuesday following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating within the area.
During the raid, the troops reportedly engaged the criminals in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of four suspects, while others fled the scene with possible injuries.
Items recovered from the hideout included one fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.
Preliminary findings indicated that the neutralised suspects were members of a criminal syndicate responsible for attacks along the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor.
In a related development, the troops were said to have responded swiftly to information on the abduction of a young woman, Miss Immaculate Samuel, who was kidnapped on the night of Jan. 13 at Kajim Village, also in Kaura LGA.
The troops mobilised and pursued the kidnappers, leading to another exchange of gunfire during which three of the suspects were neutralised, while the victim was rescued unharmed.
The rescued victim was subsequently debriefed and reunited with her family.
Security forces said troops had continued to dominate the general area in order to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal group and restore normalcy to affected communities.
Troops raid criminal hideout, rescue kidnapped victim in Kaduna
Bandits abduct police officer, three others on Gusau–Sokoto highway
By: Zagazola Makama
A police officer and three other persons have been abducted by suspected bandits along the Gusau–Sokoto highway in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on Friday at about 1:10 p.m. when a group of armed men blocked the highway around Gidan Kano village and forcibly took four people away.
One of the victims has been identified as PC Gaddafi Faruku, while the identities of the three others have not been disclosed. The abducted persons were reportedly taken to an unknown location by the assailants.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the abductors and secure the safe release of the victims. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide any information that could help in locating those taken.
Bandits abduct police officer, three others on Gusau–Sokoto highway
Bandits kill one, abduct 10, rustle cattle in Zamfara community
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly bandit attack has left one person dead, 10 others abducted, and several cattle rustled in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack occurred at about 12:40 a.m. on Monday when a large number of armed men, shooting sporadically, stormed Gidan Yawa and Lamuntani villages via Gulubba District.
During the raid, a 32-year-old man, Abdullahi Sani, was shot dead. The assailants then abducted 10 residents and rustled eight cows before fleeing to an unknown location.
Efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and secure the release of the abducted victims. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the attackers.
Bandits kill one, abduct 10, rustle cattle in Zamfara community
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