In a significant stride against criminal activities plaguing the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Operation Safe Haven, a joint military task force, launched a successful raid on a kidnappers’ den in the Rafiki community. The operation, codenamed “Operation Golden Peace,” yielded substantial results, including the apprehension of a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Musa, alias Mamman, and his accomplice, Mallam Alhassan Samaila. Furthermore, a substantial cache of ammunition, comprising 439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, was discovered meticulously concealed within a four-liter engine oil gallon at the hideout.
Preliminary investigations unveiled a sophisticated network of arms trafficking, with the apprehended suspects posing as transporters to ferry the ammunition to bandits operating across Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states. This discovery underscores the intricate web of criminal enterprises operating across state lines and the crucial role of seemingly innocuous individuals in facilitating the flow of lethal weaponry. The arrested suspects are reportedly cooperating with authorities, providing valuable insights that could potentially unravel the broader criminal network and lead to further arrests and seizures.
The operation, conducted on December 10, 2024, forms part of the broader mandate of Operation Safe Haven to ensure a secure harvest season and peaceful Yuletide celebrations within its area of operation. This proactive approach aims to preempt potential threats and maintain stability during periods of heightened vulnerability. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede, has directed the troops to intensify their efforts in tackling criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The success of Operation Golden Peace can be attributed to meticulous intelligence gathering and strategic planning. By leveraging actionable intelligence, security forces were able to pinpoint the location of the kidnappers’ den and execute a precise raid that minimized collateral damage and maximized the effectiveness of the operation. The recovery of the substantial ammunition cache represents a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the criminal gangs, potentially disrupting their planned activities and preventing further acts of violence.
Beyond the immediate impact of the raid, the operation underscores the crucial role of inter-agency cooperation and community engagement in combating crime. The collaborative efforts between various security agencies operating under the umbrella of Operation Safe Haven demonstrate the power of synergy and information sharing in achieving common security objectives. Furthermore, the military task force has emphasized the importance of public support and urged members of the community to provide timely intelligence that can aid in proactively addressing security challenges.
The ongoing follow-up operations, aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal syndicate and recovering additional arms and ammunition, demonstrate the unwavering commitment of Operation Safe Haven to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace and security to the affected communities. The success of this operation serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the security forces and reinforces the importance of sustained efforts in combating crime and creating a safe and secure environment for all residents. The call for public collaboration highlights the shared responsibility in maintaining peace and ensuring that criminal elements are denied safe haven within the community.
