Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Operation SAFE HAVEN under the ongoing Operation LAFIYA JAMA’A, have recorded another success after they arrested a suspected armed bandit at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, while sophisticated arms and ammunition were recovered in the hideout of a notorious gunrunning syndicate at Kwanar Lauje in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Media Information Officer of
Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 16, 2025, said a crackdown on the hideout of the syndicate by troops revealed a cache of arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one AK-47 rifle butt, 300 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), one round of 9 mm and 2 rounds of 23 mm SHILKA mounted anti-aircraft gun ammunition.
“In continuation of efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area of illicit arms and ammunition, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN intensified raids on gunrunners’ hideouts as part of ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A with positive outcomes,” Maj. Zhakom said.
“Notably, on 15 June, 2025, troops intercepted a suspected armed bandit at Katsit Community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
“The arrested suspect was dressed in a military combat camouflage with intention of impersonating troops to attack passersby and rob unsuspecting members of the public.
“Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 7 empty cases of 7.62 mm (Special), one fake vigilante identity card, one mobile phone and 2 ATM cards from the suspect. The suspect has been taken into custody for further action.
“In another development, in the early hours of 16 June, 2025, troops raided the hideout of a notorious gunrunning syndicate at Kwanar Lauje in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, it was observed that the criminals fled their hideout before troops arrived the area.
“However, thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of cache of arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one AK-47 rifle butt, 300 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), one round of 9 mm and 2 rounds of 23 mm SHILKA mounted anti-aircraft gun ammunition.
“Troops also recovered one motorcycle abandoned by the criminals. The recovered items are in custody while troops are conducting follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing criminals.
“Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN will continue to maintain aggressive posture against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area, with a view to frustrate their actions and get them arrested to face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
