The Nigerian military has seized a significant arms cache during follow-on operations conducted by the 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven in the Fann District of Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.
Major SN Zhakom, Military Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, made rhe disclosure on July 17, 2024, via a statement on X.
According to the statement, on July 10, 2024, a tactical team from Division/Operation Safe Haven came under attack while attempting to recover arms from a gunrunners’ hideout in Sangasa Village, Fann District. Tragically, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration CL Agwom was killed by the assailants during this operation.
In response, the troops launched a follow-on operation in the district, focusing on confiscating illegal arms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons in alignment with their core mandate.
Over the course of a week, eight suspects were arrested, and a substantial cache of weapons was recovered from Ratas, Ratoso, and Sangasa Villages in Fann District.
The recovered items included:
Twelve AK-47 rifles
Twelve fabricated AK-47 rifles
Fifteen Dane guns
Fifteen AK-47 magazines
One AK-47 drum magazine with a capacity of 75 rounds
Two hundred and fifty rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition
Two cartridges
Two bottles of gunpowder
One sword
One complete pair of military woodland camouflage dress
One pair of military combat boots
Two spears
One bow and eight arrows
Seven motorcycles
Major Zhakom added that the recovery of arms, ammunition, and military uniforms from Fann District indicates the area has become a hub for criminal activities. He added that misinformation has been spread to divert attention from the illegal arms held by unauthorized individuals in the district.
Operation Safe Haven remains dedicated to eliminating illegal arms and ammunition within the Joint Operations Area. The public is urged to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information to help protect law-abiding citizens.
The statement also declared Mr. Timothy Zakka Dung, also known as Timaya, Mr. Sam P Dachun, and Job Yakubu Ishaku wanted for their involvement in criminal activities in Fann District and its surroundings. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects is encouraged to contact the nearest security outpost.
The military acknowledged the bravery of the late Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Christopher Luka Agwom, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation on July 10, 2024.
