Troops Arrest Plateau Kidnap Kingpin, Recover Arms In Den’s Raid (Photos)

Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State have raided a kidnappers' den in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting a notorious kingpin identified as Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman.

The operation, carried out in Rafiki community, also led to the arrest of Musa’s accomplice, Mallam Alhassan Samaila, and the recovery of ammunition concealed in the hideout.

The spokesman for the Military Taskforce, Major Samson Zhakom, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the raid was part of efforts to ensure a secure harvest season and peaceful yuletide in Plateau and its environs.

The statement read, “In continuation of robust efforts to ensure secure harvest and peaceful yuletide celebrations in the Joint Operations Area as directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN on Operation GOLDEN PEACE conducted an intelligence-based raid on identified criminal hideouts in the Rafiki General Area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, with positive outcomes, including the capture of a notorious kidnap kingpin and recovery of a cache of ammunition on December 10, 2024.

“During the operation, security agencies captured the target, Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman, alongside his collaborator, Mallam Alhassan Samaila. A thorough search of their hideout led to the recovery of 439 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition concealed in a four-litre engine oil gallon.”

Zhakom revealed that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects disguised as transporters to smuggle ammunition to bandits operating in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.

“The arrested suspects are making useful confessions, and security agencies are currently conducting follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate and recover more arms and ammunition,” the statement added.

The task force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the Joint Operations Area, noting that critical combat enablers recently deployed by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff had bolstered their operations, especially in Plateau State.

The statement further appealed to the public to support security agencies with timely intelligence to help rid the area of criminal activities.

“Members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence to facilitate the eradication of criminalities within the Joint Operations Area,” Zhakom said.