Troops Nab ISWAP Fighters, Kill Bandit, Recover Arms in Plateau
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have apprehended two suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralized a bandit, and recovered arms in separate operations across Plateau State.
According to a statement issued Saturday in Jos by Major Samson Zakhom, OPSH spokesperson, the ISWAP suspects were arrested on April 11, 2025, during a coordinated intelligence-led operation at the Yelwa axis in Shendam Local Government Area.
The arrested suspects, Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old, were allegedly masquerading as tailors in the community while working undercover for ISWAP. Major Zakhom said troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Shendam acted on credible intelligence to effect the arrest.
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“Preliminary investigations indicate the duo are part of a terror cell tasked with establishing ISWAP bases in Plateau and Bauchi States under the directive of a senior ISWAP commander,” Zakhom revealed. “They had been using their tailoring business as a cover to discreetly advance the group’s agenda in the region.”
He confirmed that the suspects are in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
In a separate operation the same day, troops from OPSH Sector 4 raided a criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Although the prime suspect escaped before the arrival of the troops, a search of the location led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle (registration number 23402) and a loaded magazine.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional arms, Zakhom said.
The following day, April 12, troops of Sector 2 OPSH successfully ambushed a group of bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase LGA. One bandit was neutralized in the ensuing exchange of fire, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the scene.
Major Zakhom emphasized that OPSH remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and other criminal elements threatening peace in the region.
He attributed the recent successes to enhanced troop collaboration with local communities and the steady flow of actionable intelligence.
By PRNigeria
