TheNewsGuru

Tag: OPSH

  • OPSH declares 11 wanted over Plateau attacks

    OPSH declares 11 wanted over Plateau attacks

    Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the special task force saddled with maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, has declared 11 persons suspected to be behind the recent attacks in the state wanted.

    Mr Terzungwe Iyua, a Deputy Commisoner of Police and Deputy Commander of OPSH, said this during a news conference in Jos.

    According to Iyua, the suspected persons were declared wanted after series of intelligence gathering using technology.

    He particularly said that the wanted persons were suspected to be behind the Christmas eve attacks and other recent attacks in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state.

    ”In line with the mandate of OPSH, we have not rested on our oars in efforts to bring the perpetrators of all heinous crimes the to face
    justice.

    ”In this regard, we have sustained intelligence-led operations, which led to the neutralisation in contact with some of the perpetrators, as well as the arrest of most of the criminals, who participated in some of the attacks.

    ”For those still at large, over time we exploited the use of technology to conduct forensic examination which revealed their identities.

    ”Our efforts to ensure lasting peace have been occasionally derailed by activities of enemies of peace, and this is why we are calling on the public to help us with useful information on their whereabouts,”he said

    The deputy commander listed the  wanted persons to include; Muhammadu, also known as MP Muhammed and MOPOL; Rabiu Ibrahim, Buba Sobe, Senfos Inusa and Nahaska Boderi.

    Others ,he said ,were, Habu Mohammadu, Dudi Mohammadu, Ja’afaru Matakala, Hassan Waje and Sanusi Dafor.

  • Military dismiss alleged shooting of civilians in Plateau by soldiers

    Military dismiss alleged shooting of civilians in Plateau by soldiers

    Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a special military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, has dismissed the allegation that its soldiers shot innocent civilians in the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation denied the allegation in a statement on Monday in Jos.

    The Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities, alleged that soldiers shot civilians and compounded the vulnerability of residents of the locality.

    The group, who called for the removal of the Commander of OPSH Step-Up Headquarters 2 in Bokkos, said that the security agencies failed to quell the recent killings in some communities of the council.

    But the media officer described the allegation as unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the military and other security agencies in the state.

    He also noted that the claim by the group that security agencies deployed to Bokkos had a confrontation with vigilantes was mischievous, insisting that the personnel were professional while repelling the attack.

    ”Security agencies were rather preoccupied with restoring normalcy during the confrontations between different ethnic groups on April 13, 2024.

    ”Kudos should be given to these troops who remained deployed without break for over 72 hours ensuring that the high grounds and other vulnerable communities were dominated in a bid to protect law abiding citizens.

    ”Also, the use of sophisticated weapons by the acclaimed vigilante was further buttressed by the discovery of eleven rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition in the possession of the dead militia contrary to claims that he was a vigilante who was using dane gun to protect his community.

    ”Moreover, the acclaimed vigilante was already dead before the troops arrived the area, therefore, the allegation of killing of the vigilante is a calculated effort to feign weakness and exonerate the dead vigilante from his participation in the attacks and counter reprisals,”he said.

    Zhakom further said that the call by the group for the removal of its set-up commander in Bokkos was malicious and aimed at dampening the morale of troops in carrying out their lawful duties.

    ”The call is not unconnected with the increased tempo of operations carried out by troops under the command of the senior officer which has denied criminal elements on both sides of the divide the freedom of action.

    ”The desperation of the petitioners may have been aggravated by the impartial stance of the commander during the attack which is already given a religious connotation to stir sentiment and instigate spill over to other parts of Plateau.

    ”It is of utmost importance to stress the risks associated with desperate attempts to galvanise negative public opinion against security agencies taking into account the risks it poses.

    ”Notwithstanding the deliberate efforts to cast aspersion on our personnel, security agencies will continue to take proactive steps to prevent breakdown of law and order in our joint operations area,” he said.

    The media officer, however, called on residents of the state to support the military and other security agencies in their bid toward ensuring a peaceful Plateau

  • OPSH arrests suspects, recovers weapons over Plateau attack

    OPSH arrests suspects, recovers weapons over Plateau attack

    The Special Military Task Force, called Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), says it has arrested some suspects in connection with the recent deadly attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau.

    The Media Officer of the task force, Capt. James Oya, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jos and made available to newsmen on Friday.

    Oya, who did not disclose the number of the suspects, stated that  the task force also recovered some dangerous weapons during a raid of the area.

    ”We have successfully apprehended some suspects and seized a cache of dangerous weapons used in the recent attacks.

    ”We successfully recovered a significant arsenal of weapons that includes one AK-47 rifle, four locally fabricated automatic rifles, one locally made mortar bomb launcher and seven empty shells of 7.62mm.

    ”Others include one empty shell of a cartridge, one pistol magazine, 36 Boris, three rounds of 7.62mm and seven rounds of 9x19mm,” Oya said.

    He condemned the civilian attack on Airforce personnel and military facilities at Kerang Community, deployed to enforce the 24-hour curfew in the locality.

    ”In a shocking act of aggression, the youths of Kerang launched an assault on our troops deployed to maintain the peace and security during the curfew.

    ”This attack, including firing at the troops’ patrol vehicles, posed a significant threat to the safety of both the military personnel and the community at large.

    ”But we are committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace and security in the region.

    ”We also remain committed to working in partnership with the people of Plateau to foster a peaceful and secure environment for all,” Oya added.

    He promised that the OPSH personnel and other security agencies would remain professional in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

  • Military arrest 2 suspected gun manufacturers, recover weapons in Plateau

    Military arrest 2 suspected gun manufacturers, recover weapons in Plateau

    Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military taskforce maintaining peace in Plateau and environs has arrested two suspected gun manufacturers at Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Its Media Officer, Capt. James Oya, told a news conference in Jos on Saturday that troops of the taskforce uncovered the duo’s gun factory where they recovered newly-manufactured weapons.

    “Two individuals, Micheal Dung (33) and Yusuf Pam (43) were apprehended and their weapons manufacturing factory dismantled.

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects sell guns to customers in different parts of the country.

    “Troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, three skeleton AK-47 rifles, one locally-made pistol, 11 rifle bodies, seven bridge block, and four magazines.

    “Other weapons recovered were 210 springs, seven rifle butts, eight riffle muzzles, nine piston assembly, five cartridge housings, one drilling machine, and a hand filing machine.

    “The suspects will be charged to court immediately after investigations,’’ Oya said.

    He added that the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the dedication, bravery, and tireless efforts of the troops to ensure the safety of lives and property on the Plateau.

    He said that the taskforce would continue to maintain an offensive posture against criminals in Plateau.

    Speaking with newsmen, the prime suspect, Dung, who admitted to the crime, said he had been in the illegal business for six years.

    The suspect said he learned the skills from his deceased boss, adding that his customers were majorly from Mangu in Plateau.

    Dung said he sold arms at between N80,000 and N200,000, depending on the category.

  • Military uncovers gun factory, recovers weapons in Southern Kaduna

    Military uncovers gun factory, recovers weapons in Southern Kaduna

    Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force, maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States, has uncovered a gun factory at Kafachan, Jama’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

     

    Capt. James Oya, the Media Officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Jos.

     

    Oya said that it had also arrested one Napoleon John, a suspected gunrunner and recovered various types of weapons and ammunitions.

     

    He explained that the feat was possible owing to a week-long operation conducted by its troops.

     

    ”In line with our resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime as well as mopping up illegal weapons in our joint operation area, our troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.

     

    ”This followed a week-long intelligence operations that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John who has been on our wanted list.

     

    ” The suspect, who confessed to the crime, led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia.

     

    ”Dunia confessed to have been in the business for more than five years, fuelling the crisis in Kaduna State and neighbouring Plateau.

     

    ”A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons, including seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two military grade AK-47 rifles and nine revolvers,” he said.

     

    Oya said that its troops also recovered one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools and a gas cylinder.

     

    ”In a follow-up operation held between Thursday night and early hours of Friday, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 community of Kafanchan and recovered additional two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, six dangerous daggers, one hacker axe.

     

    ”Several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, two mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, two Police uniforms, one pair of military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster and one military grade camel pouch.

     

    ”We also recovered one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms and amulets.

     

    Oya said that the Commander of the operation, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, commended the troops for the feat and urged them to do more.

     

    He, however, warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood.

     

    He thanked residents of the state for cooperating with the military and other security agencies and called for more support towards a peaceful Plateau

  • Plateau: OPSH commander meets stakeholders, says killings will end soon

    Plateau: OPSH commander meets stakeholders, says killings will end soon

    Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has promised to deploy necessary modalities to end the ongoing killings and destruction of farmlands and other properties in Plateau.

    The commander, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigeria Army, Rukuba,  said this in a meeting with stakeholders in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    Capt. James Oya, the Spokesperson of the Operation disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

    The commander, who relocated to Mangu barely 24-hours after he assumed command of the OPSH, said the decision followed Sunday’s attack on Sabo Gari community of the area, where 12 persons were killed and six houses razed.

    Abubakar expressed worry over the lingering attacks and counter attacks in the locality, and called on the people to eschew violence and embrace peace.

    ”Both the President and the Governor are worried with the spate of insecurity in Mangu and surrounding areas.

    ”Security agencies are concerned too, this is why I relocated the headquarters of OPSH to Mangu and I have been here since I assumed responsibility as commander.

    ”I called for this meeting to appeal to all of you to embrace peace so that development can thrive in Mangu and Plateau in general.

    ”I want to assure you that on our part as security agencies, we will be professional, fair, decisive and firm. And soon, these killings will end,” he said.

    The commander, who promised to visit all affected villages and sensitise the people on the need for peaceful coexistence, advised the stakeholders to also preach peace at all times.

    He assured the people of government’s readiness to compensate all those directly affected by the attacks, in order to ease their sufferings.

    Earlier, the Transition Chairman of Mangu LGA, Mr Markus Artu, thanked the commander for initiating the meeting and relocating to the area since Sunday.

    He called on residents to support government and security agencies to ensure the return of lasting peace to the locality and Plateau in general.

  • Plateau Killings: Military Commander relocates base to troubled area

    Plateau Killings: Military Commander relocates base to troubled area

    Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), on Sunday temporarily relocated headquarters of the operation to Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    OPSH is a Special Military Task Force, maintaining peace in Plateau and environs.

    Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) , 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, moved to the area barely 24 hours after he assumed command.

    The decision followed a Saturday night attack on Sabon Gari community of Mangu LGA, where 12 persons were killed and six houses completely razed down.

    According to the commander, the move would enable him work in synergy with the local authority to mitigate the situation.

    “’I have relocated the headquarters of OPSH here so we can work with the local authority.

    “We will stay here until we stabilise the situation

    “The governor is disturbed with the happenings, and that is why I am personally here to lead my troops.

    “We won’t allow the situation to deteriorate further. We are not here to joke; and so we will be decisive, fair and firm,” Abubakar said.

    Communities in Mangu have recently come under series of attacks, with many deaths recorded, properties and farmlands destroyed, and many persons currently displaced.

  • Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the Commander, of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs says the military will remain neutral and fair to all in securing the nation.

    Newsmen reports that the OPSH is a multi-task force in charge of security of lives and properties in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of southern Kaduna.

    It was established 2010 and comprises of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Security (DSS), the Police component consists of the Mobile Police and the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB).

    Ali, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) III Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, made this known when he received a delegation from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue visited him Wednesday in Jos.

    He said that the OPSH adopted non-kinetic strategies toward eradicate violence-tendencies that could led to chaos in the society.

    He maintained that the operation has zero tolerance for human rights violation, adding that its target is to create a more secured environment for the actualization of steady growth and development.

    Ali, who lauded the organization for its role in mitigating conflict in communities, said that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between it and the military particularly in the areas of information sharing and prompt response to security threats.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the organisation, Mrs Olufemi Domkap, lauded OPSH for responding to security threats base on credible information provided by it.

    She said that the group had made huge contribution toward influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peace and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

    Domkap, however, highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of women for the enhancement of ”back-door” conversation during conflict resolution.

    She called for the training of traditional rulers in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, adding if communities adopt local method of dispute resolution permanent peace can be achieved.

  • Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), which is maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, has denied the allegation that its troops were aiding attacks and other forms of insecurity in the state.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of the operation, denied the allegation in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Takwa was reacting to allegations by a coalition of youth and women groups during a peaceful protest on Wednesday, against the continuous killings in some parts of the state.

    Takwa described the allegation as false and misleading and called on residents of the state to disregard the reports.

    ”OPSH wishes to commend and appreciate the groups for demonstrating in a peaceful manner. It is, however, worthy to note that the issues raised during the protest are largely fabrications that emanated from the writer’s imagination.

    ”They claimed that there are continuous attacks and killings going on in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Bokos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas and added that OPSH is aiding insecurity in these areas and should be held responsible for the attacks.

    ”OPSH wishes to clearly state that these claims are totally false and should be disregarded by well-meaning Nigerians; these latest attacks on the image of the Operation is a calculated attempt to dampen the morale of our troops in the professional performance of their duties.

    ”The Operation has made concerted efforts in stemming the tide of communal clashes, reprisal attacks and other forms of criminalities on the Plateau,” he said.

    Takwa said that troops of OPSH, under the leadership of its commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, remains professional and unbiased in the discharge of their duties.

    He lamented that between January and now, the Operation had lost an officer and three soldiers to activities of bandits and other criminalities within its areas of operations.

    ”Our troops, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, a thorough-bred professional, a detribalised Nigerian and a peace-loving military officer, is well-motivated, committed and ready to make greater sacrifices for the total restoration of peace and security on the Plateau and beyond.

    ”At the moment, the leadership of OPSH is concerned with stabilising the security situation in communities that experienced attacks recently in Bassa in Plateau, Zangon Kataf, and Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

    ”The rapid response and intervention of our troops during these attacks has curtail the attackers who could have continued their barbaric acts unchallenged.

    ”It might interest you to know that from January to date, we lost an officer and three soldiers to banditry and criminalities; it is, therefore, worrisome to note that the group claims that OPSH is aiding and abetting criminal attacks on communities and should be held responsible for lives lost,” Takwa said.

    The media officer maintained that from August 2021 till date, there were no cases of attacks on communities in Jos North, Jos South, Barikin Ladi,

    Riyom and Bokkos, adding that the allegation is mischief aimed at tarnishing the image of the military.

    Takwa assured residents of the state that the military and other security agencies would continue to work assiduously towards ensuring the safety of lives and property of every law-abiding citizen without fear or favour.

    He called on the residents to continue to support and cooperate with security agencies in their bid to stem the tides of insecurity in the state.