Troops of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven of the Nigerian Army have arrested two notorious kidnappers and terrorists in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The arrest followed a sting operation carried out based on intelligence reports.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, confirmed the development on Wednesday through a post on his X handle. According to him, intelligence sources revealed that the operation, codenamed Operation Golden Peace, was conducted on February 24 at about 2:20 p.m. in Lugere Sho, Barkin Ladi.
The security expert explained that the raid was launched after actionable intelligence was obtained from a previously arrested suspect on February 22.
During the operation, troops also arrested another high-profile kidnapper and terrorist at Kwok Village, located in the same local government area.
Makama disclosed that the suspect, who is currently in custody, is providing valuable confessions regarding past criminal activities, including several kidnappings across Plateau and Nasarawa States.
One of the arrested individuals reportedly admitted to sustaining gunshot wounds in a previous encounter with security forces.
According to the intelligence gathered, the suspects have revealed the identities and hideouts of their accomplices who are still operating in different parts of Barkin Ladi.
Makama further stated that troops are conducting follow-up operations to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate.
The Nigerian Army has intensified its operations in the region to curb rising cases of kidnapping and terrorism while urging residents to provide credible information that could assist in dismantling criminal networks.