Troops crush armed robbery gang in Plateau, seize weapons

Troops of the Nigerian Army 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested multiple notorious armed robbers and recovered firearms and ammunition in separate successful operations across Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a statement issued by Samson Nantip Zhakom, a major and the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, made available to Journalists on Monday in Jos said the arrests were made during intensified patrols across the metropolis.

“On the night of 24 May 2025, two armed robbery suspects were apprehended during a routine patrol around the Naraguta area. Troops found one pistol in their possession, and the suspects are currently in military custody”; he said.

The spokesperson added that in a follow-up operation in the early hours of 25 May 2025, troops arrested another notorious armed robber near Crest Hotel at Corner Shagari.

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The suspect according to him was found with one pistol and five rounds of 9mm ammunition adding, Preliminary interrogation led to the arrest of an accomplice at Massalachin Idi in the Ali Kazaure Area, also in Jos North LGA.

Zhakom also said “further search of the suspects’ hideout yielded another pistol, this time loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition. The operation marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle armed robbery syndicates operating within Jos Metropolis”.

He confirmed that the suspects have begun making useful confessions that are assisting troops in tracking down additional members of the criminal gang.

He assured the public that troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN remain committed to securing both the city centers and hinterlands. “Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN will leave nothing to chance in protecting city centers across its Joint Operations Area,” he said.