Plateau: Notorious gunrunners nabbed, automatic weapons recovered

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested two notorious gunrunners and recovered automatic weapons in Bokkos Town, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

The suspects, Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict, were apprehended on September 18, 2024, during an intelligence-driven sting operation at Banana Island Hotel, Bokkos. The operation disrupted an arms deal worth N5 million.

According to Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Military Public Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, the recovered weapons include: two AK-47 rifles, one automatic pistol and three AK-47 magazines.

This arrest comes just 72 hours after five gunrunners were arrested and automatic weapons recovered along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA.

Operation Safe Haven’s efforts aim to dismantle illegal arms dealings and address insecurity in the region. Residents are urged to provide credible information to aid in the arrest of criminal elements.

A toll-free line, 08000020203, is available 24/7 for reporting security threats and sharing information.

Operation Safe Haven

Operation Safe Haven (OSH) is a critical Nigerian military operation aimed at maintaining peace and security in Plateau State and its surrounding areas.

Established in 2010, OSH operates under the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.

The operation’s primary objectives include addressing ethnic and religious conflicts, combating terrorism and insurgency, curbing kidnapping and banditry, and checking cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

By protecting lives and properties, maintaining law and order, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration, OSH strives to foster a secure environment conducive to socio-economic development.

OSH’s area of operation spans Plateau State, parts of Bauchi State, and Southern Kaduna (Kaduna State).

Through joint operations with other security agencies, OSH works to neutralize threats, build trust among local communities, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that the operation’s efforts have yielded significant successes, including the arrest of notorious gunrunners and recovery of automatic weapons.

Plateau State:

Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s north-central region, is a culturally diverse and scenic territory known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Dubbed the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Plateau State boasts breathtaking landscapes, including the Jos Plateau, which offers panoramic views and a temperate climate.

The state’s capital, Jos, is a melting pot of ethnic groups, with over 40 languages spoken, and a thriving arts scene.

Plateau State is also home to numerous natural attractions, such as the Pandam Lake, Kerang Volcanic Mountain, and the famous Jos Museum.

Despite facing security challenges, the state remains a hub for agriculture, mining, and tourism, with its fertile soil and mineral resources contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy.

With its unique blend of cultural diversity and natural splendor, Plateau State remains an iconic Nigerian destination.

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