Troops arrest armed suspect hiding in ambush along Kafi Abu-Rakwok road in Plateau State.
Operation Safe Haven recovers rifle, ammunition as military intensifies crackdown on armed groups.
Troops from Operation Safe Haven have arrested a suspected bandit who was reportedly planning an attack on travelers in the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State.
According to reports, the suspect was apprehended on Sunday night while hiding in an ambush position along the Kafi Abu–Rakwok road. He was believed to be targeting unsuspecting road users in the area.
In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, confirmed the arrest and revealed that a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
“On 6 July 2025, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN on night patrol along Kafi Abu–Rakwok Road in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, intercepted a suspected militia,” the statement read.
“The suspect was arrested while in ambush position with possible intent of attacking unsuspecting commuters in the area. Items recovered from the suspect include one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.”
Major Zhakom added that the suspect and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and necessary action.
He also noted that troops are continuing follow-up operations in an effort to track down other members of the criminal group linked to the suspect.
The military has promised to intensify its efforts to stop the use of illegal firearms by individuals trying to destabilize communities in the area of operations.
Zhakom encouraged members of the public to provide useful and timely information to security personnel, as this would help in achieving successful operations and tackling the ongoing problem of arms proliferation.
