Troops neutralise bandits, intercepts arms courier in plateau State
July 4, 2025
Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised several bandits while others fled into surrounding forests.
The operation, according to the army in a statement on Friday is in continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements.
“On 3 July 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.
During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight.
“Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.
“In a separate operation later that evening at approximately 5:45pm, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Mangar, Daffo District of Bokkos LGA.
“The suspect and recovered items are in custody, as investigations and follow-on operations continue to track other members of the arms smuggling network.
“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.