Olusegun Ariyo
Troops of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have arrested two notorious kidnappers and terrorists in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State following a sting operation based on intelligence reports.
The operation, codenamed Operation Golden Peace, was carried out on February 24 at about 2:20 p.m. in Lugere Sho, Barkin Ladi, after security forces obtained actionable intelligence from a suspect arrested on February 22.
This was revealed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his official X platform (formerly Twitter). He reported that during the operation, security forces also apprehended another high-profile kidnapper and terrorist at Kwok Village in Barkin Ladi LGA. The suspect, currently in custody, has reportedly confessed to involvement in multiple kidnappings across Plateau and Nasarawa States and is providing useful information about past criminal activities.
Makama further disclosed that one of the arrested individuals admitted to sustaining gunshot wounds in a previous encounter with security forces. The suspects have also revealed the identities and hideouts of their accomplices operating in different parts of Barkin Ladi LGA.
Security forces have since intensified follow-up operations to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
The military has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and security in Plateau State by dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and acts of terror in the region.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
