By Israel Adamu, Jos
Troops of the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have intensified offensive operations in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, recording significant successes in the fight against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
According to a statement signed by Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, the troops on July 3, 2025, carried out a coordinated offensive in the mountainous areas of Tulus and Hokk communities, located along the Plateau-Nasarawa border.
During the operation, the troops engaged armed militias in Hokk community. One of the bandits was neutralized in a superior firefight, while others fled into the surrounding bushes. Although no further contact was made after the engagement, troops continue to dominate the area with mobile and static patrols to deny the fleeing criminals freedom of action.
Later that day, at about 5:45 p.m., acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms by gunrunners in the JOA, troops mounted snap checkpoints along suspected routes in Mangar, Daffo District, Bokkos LGA.
During the operation, troops intercepted a suspected gunrunner transporting concealed weapons on a motorcycle. A thorough search led to the recovery of:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One AK-47 magazine
- Three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition
- One motorcycle
- Two Tecno mobile phones
- One piece of clothing material
- Cash sum of ₦400
The suspect and recovered items are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
“These operational achievements reflect the troops’ determination to eliminate all avenues for criminal activity in the Joint Operations Area, particularly the use of illegal and unauthorized weapons to terrorize innocent civilians,” the statement concluded.
