The army’s Operation Safe Haven troops raided a kidnapping hideaway in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau state, and apprehended Mohammed Musa, better known as Mamman, a notorious kingpin.
This was revealed via a statement by the spokesperson for the Military Task Force, Major Samson Zhakom on Wednesday, December 11.
The operation, which was conducted in the Rafiki village, also led to the recovery of concealed ammunition and the arrest of Mallam Alhassan Samaila, Musa’s accomplice.
He said that the raid was a part of continuous efforts to ensure that the Plateau and the adjacent areas had a safe harvest season and a tranquil holiday season.
The statement read, “In continuation of robust efforts to ensure secure harvest and peaceful yuletide celebrations in the Joint Operations Area as directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN on Operation GOLDEN PEACE conducted an intelligence-based raid on identified criminal hideouts in the Rafiki General Area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, with positive outcomes, including the capture of a notorious kidnap kingpin and recovery of a cache of ammunition on December 10, 2024.
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“During the operation, security agencies captured the target, Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman, alongside his collaborator, Mallam Alhassan Samaila.
“A thorough search of their hideout led to the recovery of 439 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition concealed in a four-litre engine oil gallon.”
Adding that, “The arrested suspects are making useful confessions and security agencies are currently conducting follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate and recover more arms and ammunition.”
The task force reaffirmed Its commitment to safeguarding people and property in the Joint Operations Area, highlighting how the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff’s recent deployment of important combat enablers had improved their operations, especially in Plateau State.
In order to help security agencies eradicate criminal activity in the area, the statement further urged the people to support them by promptly reporting intelligence.
The statement ended by saying, “The public is encouraged to assist security agencies by supplying timely intelligence to enable the elimination of criminalities within the Joint Operations Area.”
