In a decisive operation against criminal elements in Plateau State, troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralized two bandits during a targeted raid in Quaan-Pan Local Government.

The intelligence-driven operation, conducted on Monday May 12, 2025, took place in Teng Mountain/Forest, a known hideout of suspected bandits.

According to a statement released by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, the troops acted on credible intelligence, launching a deliberate assault on the criminal enclave.

“During the engagement, our troops established contact with the armed criminals. In the firefight that followed, two bandits were neutralized through superior fire power”, the statement reads.

A subsequent sweep of the area yielded a cache of weapons and other items. The recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one locally fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and seven rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Also recovered were four mobile phones, two motorcycle, and a cash sum of N157.900.

Major Zhakom noted that the recovered arms and ammunition have been secured, while the mobile devices are currently undergoing analysis.

Authorities hope the data retrieved will lead to the identification and arrest of other members of the criminal network.

“The activities of those dangerous criminal will continue to be met with decisive and sustained military action. Our troops remain resolute in their mandate to deny criminal elements freedom of action in all areas of operation”, he said.

This latest development marks another milestone in the military’s ongoing efforts to flush out criminal elements destabilizing part of Plateau and neighbouring regions.

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to working with local communities and leveraging intelligence to restore lasting peace across the state.

-9News Nigeria.