Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested two more notorious gunrunners and recovered automatic weapons during a follow-up operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. This comes just 72 hours after the arrest of five gunrunners in Jos North LGA on September 17, 2024.
The latest arrests were made on September 18, 2024, during an intelligence-driven operation at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos, where the suspects were caught finalizing an arms and ammunition transaction worth N5 million. The apprehended individuals, identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict, were found with two AK-47 rifles, one automatic pistol, and three AK-47 magazines.
While displaying the suspects and confiscated weapons, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Military Public Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, stated this today, September 20, 2024, at the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven. He reiterated the operation’s commitment to combating illegal arms proliferation, which continues to fuel insecurity in the region.
The suspects are now in custody and are being interrogated as security agencies work to dismantle the wider gunrunning syndicate. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the group who remain at large.
This recent success, which follows the earlier recovery of 6,000 rounds of ammunition in Jos North, further highlights the efforts of Operation Safe Haven in tackling arms proliferation and criminal activity in the region. Major Zhakom emphasized that criminality knows no ethnic or religious boundaries, calling it a common enemy that must be collectively fought to restore peace and security.
Operation Safe Haven has reassured the public that it will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to clamp down on gunrunners and other criminal elements. Citizens of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna are encouraged to provide credible information to security forces to aid in creating a safer environment for all.
