Troops under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have repelled a series of coordinated militia attacks across communities in Plateau State, dealing a significant blow to armed groups operating in the central region.
According to a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of OPSH, the military successfully thwarted assaults on Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Taddai, and Hurti—communities located within Bokkos Local Government Area—on Saturday, April 12, during ongoing operations under Lafiyan Jamaa.
Zhakom said the troops, while on routine patrol, encountered the armed militias and engaged them in a fierce firefight. “The criminals were overwhelmed and forced to abandon an AK-47 rifle and six motorcycles as they retreated under pressure,” he noted.
He further disclosed that blood trails were discovered along the withdrawal route, suggesting the attackers suffered casualties. Following the engagement, troops launched clearance operations around Hurti, a community surrounded by difficult mountainous terrain, where they had observed fresh militant activity.
“Troops engaged the criminals with a high volume of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” Zhakom said. “During the sweep, one locally fabricated pistol, six rounds of 9mm ammunition, and four motorcycles were recovered.”
Security forces have since maintained a strong presence in the area, continuing pursuit efforts to intercept fleeing assailants.
In a parallel operation, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish stormed known criminal hideouts in Dome Hill, Rahul Mazat, and Anguwa Mamuda in Barkin Ladi LGA, following credible intelligence. Though suspects escaped before troops arrived, the operation yielded the recovery of one fabricated revolver rifle, a single round of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and ₦89,800 in cash.
Elsewhere, troops from Sector 2 OPSH, working alongside local vigilante groups, carried out an intelligence-driven mission in Wase LGA, targeting bandit activity along the Kampani Zurak Road. During the confrontation, one bandit was neutralized, and troops recovered a motorcycle, an AK-47 magazine, and other undisclosed items. Pursuit operations are currently underway to apprehend others who fled the scene.
The string of operations is part of a broader military push to dismantle armed groups and improve security in Plateau State—a region that has remained volatile due to recurrent attacks and communal tensions.
Operation Safe Haven reaffirmed its commitment to neutralizing threats posed by non-state actors and safeguarding civilians. “We will not relent in our efforts to secure every inch of the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
The military’s success this weekend underscores growing momentum in its campaign to restore peace across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, even as local communities continue to grapple with insecurity and displacement.
