Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised three suspected bandits during a targeted raid in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, was carried out following intelligence on the location of a criminal hideout near Pinau community.
Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday in Jos.
“Yesterday, troops of OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, conducted offensive operations at a criminal hideout along the fringes of Pinau community in Wase LGA of Plateau,” he said.
According to Zhakom, the troops encountered armed resistance during the operation but swiftly overpowered the assailants.
“During the operation, troops made contact with criminal elements terrorising the general area, including Pinau–Gimbi road.
“During the exchange of fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower and neutralised three of the suspected bandits,” he said.
He added that several others escaped with gunshot wounds, while the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine from the scene.
Zhakom also revealed that efforts were underway to track down the fleeing suspects.
“Troops have commenced a follow-up operation to intercept the fleeing criminals,” he said.
Operation Safe Haven is a multi-agency security task force set up to tackle armed violence, banditry, and communal clashes across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Wase LGA, one of the security flashpoints in southern Plateau, has witnessed a resurgence in armed attacks and bandit activity in recent months, prompting heightened military presence in the area.
