Troops from the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven have arrested two notorious kidnappers and terrorists in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. The arrests followed a well-coordinated sting operation based on intelligence reports.
The military operation, known as Operation Golden Peace, took place on February 24, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m. in Lugere Sho, a community in Barkin Ladi. Security forces launched the operation after receiving actionable intelligence from a suspect who had been arrested on February 22, 2025.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, who shared the development on his official X platform (formerly Twitter), the troops also apprehended another high-profile kidnapper and terrorist in Kwok Village, also located in Barkin Ladi LGA.
The suspect, currently in military custody, reportedly confessed to participating in numerous kidnappings across Plateau and Nasarawa States. In his statement, he is said to be providing valuable information about previous criminal activities and the identities of other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Further revelations from the arrested individuals indicate that one of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during a prior confrontation with security forces. Additionally, the suspects disclosed details about the hideouts of their accomplices who continue to operate within various parts of Barkin Ladi LGA.
In response to these developments, security forces have intensified their follow-up operations aimed at tracking down and arresting other members of the criminal network.
The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Plateau State by dismantling the criminal syndicates responsible for kidnappings and terrorist activities in the region.
Residents of Plateau State have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to curb insecurity.