Troops of the 3rd Division, operating under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven, have successfully intercepted and neutralised a group of armed bandits who were en route to attack several communities in Plateau State.
This decisive action underscores the commitment of the military to protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining peace in the region.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for the Operation, disclosed these developments in an official statement issued on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
According to Major Zhakom, the operation was prompted by credible intelligence indicating that bandits planned to launch an early morning assault on the villages of Teng and Kayarda, both located within Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
On the morning of May 27, 2025, troops from the 3rd Division, in coordination with Operation Safe Haven forces, strategically positioned themselves along the suspected route of the militants.
The soldiers set up an ambush to intercept the hostile elements before they could carry out their planned attacks. Upon making contact, the troops engaged the bandits, successfully neutralising three of the assailants while the remainder fled the scene in disarray.
During the ensuing search and seizure operation, the troops recovered significant quantities of weaponry and ammunition. Specifically, four AK-47 rifles, four corresponding AK-47 magazines, and fifty-six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were confiscated from the bandits. These recovered arms are now securely held in the custody of the military as evidence and to prevent further criminal use.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and to recover any additional weapons that may have been abandoned. The military remains vigilant and is employing all necessary resources to clamp down on these criminal elements and restore security to the affected communities.
This operational success reflects the unwavering dedication of the troops to eliminating threats within the Joint Operations Area. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions and the resolve of the forces to frustrate the activities of violent assailants.
The troops have pledged to sustain this momentum and continue proactive operations to safeguard lives and property in Plateau State and its environs.