 have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.){kind=link}
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
According to a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation on April 11, 2025.
Troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam raided an ISWAP cell located in the Yelwa area of Shendam Local Government Area (LGA).
The arrested individuals, identified as Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old, were operating under the guise of tailors.
Preliminary investigations revealed they were tasked by an ISWAP commander to establish terrorist bases in Plateau and Bauchi States. The suspects are currently in custody for further interrogation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops from Sector 4 OPSH conducted a raid at the hideout of a wanted criminal in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi LGA.
Although the suspect escaped before troops arrived, a search of the location yielded an AK-47 rifle (registration number 23402) and a magazine buried inside the building. Efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons.
Additionally, on April 12, 2025, troops from Sector 2 OPSH ambushed armed bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala road in Wase LGA. During the exchange of fire, one bandit was neutralized, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
These operations demonstrate the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in Plateau State.
Investigations continue as troops intensify patrols and intelligence-gathering to prevent further threats.