Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have arrested two members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State.
In a statement, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, said that in a coordinated operation on 11 April 2025, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam busted an ISWAP cell located around the Yelwa axis in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
During the sting operation, two suspected ISWAP members, identified as Abdulkadir Dalhatu, 25 years old, and Ubaidu Hassan, 25 years old, posing as tailors, were arrested by troops.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspects were mandated by an ISWAP commander to use the cover of tailoring to facilitate the establishment of ISWAP bases in Plateau and Bauchi States. The suspects are in custody for further action.
Additionally, on 11 April 2025, troops of Sector 4 OPSH conducted a follow-up operation at the hideout of a wanted criminal at Mazat Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, the suspect fled before troops arrived at the scene.
However, troops searched the hideout and recovered one AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402, as well as one AK-47 magazine buried in the building.
The recovered weapons are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to nab the fleeing criminal and recover other weapons in his possession.
Similarly, on 12 April 2025, troops of Sector 2 OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush against bandits along Road Pinau-Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
During the operation, troops made contact and neutralized one bandit, while others fled with possible gunshot injuries.