Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN Neutralise Armed Bandits, Recover Weapons and Items in Plateau State.
In a successful counterinsurgency operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, operating under the auspices of Operation SAFE HAVEN, have neutralised two armed bandits and recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and other valuable items during a coordinated raid in Plateau State.
The operation, which was based on credible and actionable intelligence, was executed in the early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025. The raid targeted a known bandits’ hideout situated in the dense Teng Mountain/Forest region within Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. The location had been under surveillance following reports of increased bandit activity and threats to local security in the area.
Upon approaching the hideout, the troops made direct contact with the criminal elements. A fierce but brief exchange of gunfire ensued. Leveraging superior firepower, tactical maneuvering, and battlefield coordination, the troops overwhelmed the armed bandits, leading to the neutralisation of two of the suspects. The remaining criminals reportedly fled the scene, abandoning weapons, equipment, and personal belongings as they escaped into the surrounding forest.
Following the engagement, the troops conducted a thorough search of the area, which resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of items. These include:
One AK-47 assault rifle
One locally fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm (Special) ammunition
One AK-47 magazine
Seven rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition
Four mobile phones suspected to belong to the bandits
Two motorcycles likely used for movement within the forested terrain
Cash amounting to N157,900, believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The recovered weapons and ammunition have been secured and are currently in the custody of the military for further analysis and documentation. Meanwhile, the recovered mobile phones are undergoing forensic examination and data extraction. Authorities believe the information obtained from the devices will aid ongoing efforts to identify, locate, and apprehend other members of the criminal gang who fled the encounter.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and security in Plateau State and the wider North Central region. Citizens have been encouraged to continue cooperating with security forces by providing timely and credible information that can help in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.
The success of this operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led military action and the dedication of the troops in restoring normalcy to troubled communities.