Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under the recently launched Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have continued their crackdown on criminal activities in Southern Kaduna and its environs, achieving significant successes in countering kidnappings and arms trafficking.

On March 2, 2025, troops conducted an intelligence-driven rescue operation at Boto Forest in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, targeting a group of kidnappers holding victims hostage. During the operation, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, overpowering them with superior firepower, which forced the kidnappers to flee, abandoning their captives.

As a result, five kidnapped victims were rescued, including:

Abdullahi Saleh (38 years old)

Blessed Haruna (17 years old)

Mary Nuhu (32 years old)

Charity Nuhu (35 years old)

Abubakar Wakili (25 years old)

Troops also apprehended three suspected kidnappers, identified as Abubakar Shehu (30 years old), Mohammed Sani (20 years old), and Adamu Mohammed (25 years old). A further search of the area led to the recovery of one fabricated revolver rifle, nine rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two mobile phones, two machetes, 32 rustled cows, and N521,000 in cash, suspected to be ransom proceeds.

The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, while one individual who sustained machete wounds was evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The arrested suspects remain in custody and are providing valuable intelligence to aid further operations.

Troops Intercept Notorious Gunrunner at Kaduna Checkpoint

On March 3, 2025, troops conducted a sting operation following intelligence on the movement of arms by criminal elements. During the operation, a blue Opel Vectra Saloon car was intercepted at the Mallagun checkpoint in Kaura LGA, Kaduna State. Upon searching the vehicle, troops discovered one fabricated revolver rifle concealed in a black bag belonging to a passenger, Anthony Elisha (24 years old) from Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.

During preliminary interrogation, Elisha admitted ownership of the weapon and claimed he was acting on the instructions of a civil police officer to deliver the firearm to another individual in Rami Kura, Lere LGA, Kaduna State. The suspect remains in custody and is providing intelligence to aid security forces in tracking his accomplices, including the alleged police officer involved.

Security Forces Urge Public Support in Ongoing Operations

Operation SAFE HAVEN remains committed to eliminating criminal elements and restoring peace in its area of operations. Security forces are urging the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks.