Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, operating under Operation SAFE HAVEN, conducted a successful raid on a suspected bandits’ hideout in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday, May 12, 2025. The operation, targeting an enclave around Teng Mountain/Forest, resulted in the neutralization of two armed bandits and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and valuables, as confirmed by security sources to Zagazola Makama.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gunfight, overpowering them with superior firepower. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, and seven rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. Additionally, troops seized four mobile phones, two motorcycles, and N157,900 in cash, believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The Nigerian Army has secured the recovered weapons, while the mobile phones are undergoing forensic analysis to track and apprehend other members of the criminal network. This operation builds on previous successes by Operation SAFE HAVEN, including a June 2024 raid in Pandem Forest, Qua’an Pan, where troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and a June 2024 operation in Manguna, Bokkos, recovering a G3 rifle, two revolver rifles, and 47 rustled cows.
Major General Abdusalam Abubakar, Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations to curb banditry and restore peace across Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Southern Kaduna. Posts on X praised the troops’ efforts, with users like @ZagazOlaMakama and @NigeriaArmyInfo highlighting the operation’s impact on regional security.
The raid underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the North Central region, addressing the banditry crisis that has displaced over 247,000 people and razed 120 villages in Northwest Nigeria. Operation SAFE HAVEN continues to urge the public to provide timely intelligence to support its mission.
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