The military high command said the troops had arrested the duo of Abdulrazaq Umar and Idris Abdullahi who confessed to have been involved in several abductions in Plateau and Bauchi States as well as the murder of the village head, adding that the suspects tried to escape and were killed.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko, in a statement released on Tuesday, said the duo were arrested in collaboration with the Plateau State Police Command.
The statement partly read, “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN sustained efforts at maintaining their mandate and ensured a hitch-free and peaceful Sallah celebration.
“Notably on 7 and 8 July 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in conjunction with Plateau State Police Command, arrested 2 notorious kidnappers, Abdulrazaq Umar and Idris Abdullahi, at Beco Junction Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State.
“Suspects confessed to have carried out several kidnapping activities within Plateau and Bauchi States including the murder of Alhaji Saleh Abdulhamid (Shaba) at Ex Land Village on 22 Jun 2022.
“Suspects further revealed one Mallam Buhari Umar as the leader of the gang. However, while enroute the criminals’ hideout, suspects attempted to escape and were neutralized.”
He also said suspected armed robbers were apprehended during another operation in Kaduna state.
Onyeuko said, “Similarly, on 9 July 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted a raid Operation at MAILAFIA, NISAMA, DOGON FILLI and GIDAN WAYA all in JEMA’A Local Government Area of Kaduna State and arrested 2 Armed Robbers; Mr George Yakubu and George Joseph aged 26 and 25 years respectively.
“Items recovered from the suspects include; 3 x Fabricated AK 47 Riffles, 1 x Knife, 1 x Cutting Hoe, 1 x Cutter and 1 x Spanner amongst others. Also, on the same day, troops responded to a distress call that gunmen attacked a Toyota Hummer Bus with Registration Number LFA 322 YR Nasarawa at DOGON FILLI village, JEMA’A Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Troops mobilised to the scene and rescued 9 x passengers who were held hostage. “
