Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), carrying out Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have arrested two Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and neutralised a bandit in separate operations across Plateau State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN. 

According to the statement In a coordinated sting operation on April 11, 2025, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam successfully busted an Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) cell in the Yelwa area of Shendam Local Government Area.

Two suspects, identified as Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old and posing as tailors, were apprehended. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were tasked by an ISWAP commander to use their tailoring business as a cover to establish ISWAP bases in Plateau and Bauchi States. 

The arrested individuals are currently in custody for further investigation.

In a separate incident also on April 11, 2025, troops of Sector 4 OPSH conducted a follow-up operation at the hideout of a wanted criminal in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. 

Although the suspect evaded arrest, a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402 and an AK-47 magazine, both buried within the premises. 

The recovered weapons are secured, and efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing criminal and recover any additional weapons in his possession.

Furthermore, on April 12, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, troops of Sector 2 OPSH laid an ambush along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase Local Government Area.

During the operation, they made contact with a group of bandits, neutralising one in the ensuing engagement. 

The remaining bandits fled, possibly sustaining gunshot injuries. Following the encounter, troops searched the area and recovered one fabricated pistol.