Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have successfully rescued a minor during a military operation in the Riyom area of Plateau State.
This was revealed in a statement issued Friday by Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the minor had been sold three years ago by his uncle, who is currently at large,” he stated.
The rescued child has been handed over to the councillor representing Zamko Ward in Langtang North Local Government Area for onward reunification with his family.
In a separate operation, Zhakom said troops acted on credible intelligence that armed bandits were spotted along the Kampani–Kombodoro road in Wase Local Government Area. Soldiers laid an ambush near Jeb community and engaged the criminals in a gunfight, forcing them to flee.
“During a follow-up operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition abandoned by the fleeing bandits. Efforts to track and apprehend the suspects are ongoing,” he stated.
He further reaffirmed the military’s determination to take firm action against all criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
See the full statement below:
TROOPS OF 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN RECOVER WEAPON, AMMUNITION AND RESCUE MINOR IN PLATEAU STATE
Based on credible intelligence having sighted bandits mounted on motorcycles and armed with AK-47 rifles along Kampani – Kombodoro road in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, troops laid ambush along bandits routes close to Jeb Community. Consequently, in the early hours of 24 July 2025, troops made contact with the bandits and engaged them with heavy volume of fire forcing the bandits to flee. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, 2 AK-47 magazines and 5 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition abandoned by the criminals.
The recovered weapon and ammunition are in custody for further action. Meanwhile, troops are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits.
Additionally, on 22 July 2025, troops rescued a 12-year-old boy during raid operations carried out on criminals’ hideouts in Riyom general area. Thorough investigation revealed that the boy was sold out 3 years ago by his uncle who is currently at large. However, the boy has been handed over to the Councilor representing Zamko Ward of Langtang North LGA in Plateau State, who is expected to reunite the minor with his immediate family.
Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN have continued to make exploits and remain decisive in the fight against criminal elements whose activities must be tracked and terminated in the interest of national security.
Samson Nantip Zhakom
Major
Media Information Officer
Operation SAFE HAVEN
24 July 2025