April 12, (THEWILL) – Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have arrested 2 members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Zhakom, said the terrorists were arrested on Friday, April 11, during a coordinated operation by the troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) who uncovered an ISWAP cell located around Yelwa axis in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
“During the sting operation, 2 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 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”, Zhakom said.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 OPSH, on Saturday, 12th April, neutralised one bandit “while others fled with possible gunshot injuries”, during an ambush operation that led to the recovery of one fabricated pistol.
Zhakom said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid ambush against the bandits along Road Pinau-Bangalala in Wase LGA of Plateau State.
During the operation, troops made contact and neutralised one bandit while others fled with possible gunshot injuries. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one fabricated pistol.
“On 11 April 2025, troops of Sector 4 OPSH conducted 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 1 AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402 as well as 1 AK-47 magazine buried in the building. The recovered weapons are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to nab the fleeing criminal and also recover other weapons in his possession”, the statement added.
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