Troops Arrest ISWAP Members, Neutralize Bandit, and Recover Arms in Plateau State

Operation SAFE HAVEN Makes Significant Breakthrough

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully arrested two members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Plateau State. The operation, codenamed LAFIYAN JAMA’A, marks a critical step in counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria.

Details of the Arrest

According to Major Samson Zakhom, spokesperson for OPSH, the arrests took place on April 11, 2025, during a coordinated operation in the Yelwa axis of Shendam Local Government Area (LGA). The suspects, identified as 25-year-olds Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, were posing as tailors in the area.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the suspects. Preliminary investigations reveal that the duo were part of an ISWAP cell tasked with establishing operational bases in Plateau and Bauchi States under the directive of an ISWAP commander.

Additional Security Operations

In a related development on the same day, troops from Sector 4 OPSH conducted a raid on a criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi LGA. While the primary suspect escaped, an AK-47 rifle (registration number 23402) and a magazine were recovered.

On April 12, 2025, troops from Sector 2 OPSH ambushed bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase LGA. One bandit was neutralized, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds. A fabricated pistol was recovered from the scene.

Community Collaboration Key to Success

Major Zakhom emphasized that the success of these operations was due to the collaboration between troops and local communities, as well as timely intelligence. He reaffirmed OPSH’s commitment to tackling security threats in the region.

For more details, read the original report.