The special military task force, Operation Safe Haven, maintaining peace in Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi, says it arrested 13 suspected bandits, kidnappers, rustlers and other criminals.

In a statement on Tuesday, James Oya, OPSH spokesman, said the troops also recovered 279 rustled cows and arms and ammunition.

Mr Oya explained that OPSH recorded the breakthrough in an operation conducted between October 2 and 9, adding that the suspects were arrested in some communities within its areas of responsibility.

‘’Between October 2 and October 9, our troops arrested 13 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, prison break, peddling illicit drugs and rustling. ’We also recovered illegal arms and ammunition,” said the statement.

It added, ‘’Troops recovered a total of 279 cows and six sheep over the destruction of crops on farmlands across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau and Kaduna states, respectively.”

The statement also mentioned that within the period under review, the troops also foiled attempts by gunmen to attack Washina and Razak communities in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau

Mr Oya, who called on the residents in the area to support its efforts toward stemming crime and criminality, also urged them to be law-abiding at all times.

He also assured the residents that OPSH would continue to be fair and just to all, insisting that its duty aimed at securing the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

(NAN)