By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos
Nigerian Army under Operation Safe Haven deployed to restore law and order in Plateau ,Southern Kaduna and Bauchi at the weekend said it has arrested 10 cult members operating in Jos the Plateau state capital .
OPSH in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos and signed by Major ADAM UMAR ,the media officer in Jos reads that the resilience of the troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) deployed to contain the myriad of insecurity across the joint operation area have yielded positive results following the various arrests and detention of criminal gangs and cultists.
“It is gratifying to observe that the spate of herdsmen/farmers crisis and armed banditry across the state has greatly diminished, while reported cases are decisively being dealt with.
The DHQ recently commissioned operation 777 which in part is designed to consolidate on the achievements of all ongoing Operations across Nigeria.
In the course of executing this renewed mandate, OPSH raided some criminal hideouts of some dreaded gangs and cultists leading to the arrest of some of their members who are responsible to some of the insecurity being experienced across the Joint Operation Area. ”
“It is pertinent to note that, though the remote and immediate causes of the crises on the Plateau are being contained but the increasing nature of cult-related activities are on the increase.
Consequently, the nefarious activities of these cult groups OPSH has necessitated clampdown on their hideout and upon the arrested these 10 identified Cult leaders are currently in our custody undergoing investigation.
In accordance with its tradition of keeping the public updated on operational developments in order to sustain the relative peace enjoyed on the Plateau, OPSH wishes to notify members of the general public on the arrests of these notorious cult members who have been terrorizing innocent citizens across Jos metropolis. ”
“Specifically, on 21 Oct 18, six cult members were arrested and preliminary investigations led to the arrest of four others who have been profiled, cross examined and their statements obtained.
Analysis of the revelations from arrested group members revealed that there are five distinct cult groups operating in Jos. Under various appellation as Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) aka Black Axe, Supreme Viking aka Baggar/Arrow, Ayeh, Buccaneers and Tin Gold aka Blue Bed. ”
“OPSH therefore wishes to reiterate that it would remain resolute to decisively deal with all criminal acts that are inimical to peaceful co-existence on the Plateau and across the Joint Operation Area and hereby reassure residents of their safety.
This HQ therefore wishes to solicit for timely and accurate information from genuine members of the public through any of our Help Lines 08021212138, 08149000091, 08090498333 and 08074633336 to assist in the total dislodgement of the criminals. We assure that any such information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
While we want to also reassure members of the general public of our determination to protect lives and property of all law abiding citizens, it is necessary to call on parents and guardians to advise their children and wards to desist from associating with cult groups or any other type of criminal gangs.
Finally, we wish to once again appreciate the good people of our communities for their co-operation in providing timely information to OPSH to execute its mandate professionally and decisively. ”
