Eric Patrick
Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN, operating under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have neutralised several bandits. They also intercepted a suspected arms courier in Plateau State.
In a statement released on Friday, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page, the Military disclosed that the operations took place on July 3, as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
According to the statement, troops launched a clearance mission in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk communities, along the Plateau–Nasarawa border in Bokkos Local Government Area.
During the operation, soldiers engaged armed militias in a fierce firefight in Hokk, resulting in the neutralisation of several bandits, while others fled into nearby forests.
The force also disclosed that troops conducted a thorough sweep of the area and established control through continued mobile and static patrols, aimed at preventing the regrouping of criminal elements.
In a separate but related development later that day, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted a suspected arms smuggler at about 5:45 p.m. in Mangar, Daffo District of Bokkos LGA.
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The suspect was apprehended at a snap checkpoint while attempting to transport weapons and ammunition on a motorcycle.
The individual is currently in custody as investigations are ongoing, with follow-up operations underway to dismantle the broader arms trafficking 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,” the statement added.
Security operatives have pledged to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating within Plateau and adjoining states to ensure the safety of civilians and the return of normalcy to affected communities.
