In a significant operation, the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has paraded eight criminal suspects linked to various heinous crimes, including the murder of Mrs. Dorathy Jonathan, gunrunning, gun manufacturing, an attack on Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan Kamantan village, Zango Kataf LGA, and the killing of a herder in Gora town, all within Kaduna State.
At a press conference held today at the Operation SAFE HAVEN Headquarters in Jos, Captain Oya James, the Media Information Officer of OPSH, unveiled the suspects and provided details of their alleged criminal activities.
Two of the suspects were apprehended in connection with the brutal murder of Mrs. Dorathy Jonathan in Afana village, Zango Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.
Captain James revealed that a week-long intelligence operation led to the arrest of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John. John, in turn, guided security forces to a hidden weapons factory where arms of various calibers were being produced and sold by another suspect, Monday Dunia. Dunia confessed to having operated this illegal business for over five years, contributing to the ongoing crisis in both Kaduna and neighboring Plateau States.
Two additional suspects were taken into custody due to their alleged involvement in the killing of a herder during a reprisal attack by locals following the murder of a farmer in Gora town.
Furthermore, two individuals, identified as Hassan Mato and Ahmad Khalifa, were arrested for their role in the attack on and burning of Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Fadan Kamantan village, Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State. During this attack, a seminarian named Naaman Stephen Ngophe lost his life, but troops were able to rescue Reverend Father Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday.
A staggering total of 31 weapons of various calibers were confiscated from the suspects. These weapons included 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 fabricated AK-47 rifles, 1 pump-action rifle, and 10 locally manufactured pistols. Additionally, 8 fabricated revolvers and 3 locally produced submachine guns were seized.
Captain James conveyed the appreciation of Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA and Commander of OPSH, to the law-abiding citizens for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality. He assured the public that the suspects would be promptly prosecuted in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
This operation underscores the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to maintaining peace and security in the region, with a focus on dismantling criminal networks and ensuring justice for victims of crime.
