- Recover weapon, ammunition in Wase LGA
Troops of 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have rescued a 12-year-old boy during military operations in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state.
According to Spokesperson of the operation, Major Samson Zhakom, the minor, sold by his uncle three years ago, was rescued after troops raided a criminal hideout in Riyom LGA.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Major Zhakom said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the minor had been sold three years ago by his uncle, who is currently at large.”
He said the boy had since been handed over to the Councillor representing Zamko Ward in the Langtang North Local Government Area of the state for onward reunification with his family.
Major Zhakom, while narrating how the victim was rescued, said, “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.”
The Operation Safe Haven Spokesperson said that in another development, the troops recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in Wase Local Government Area of the state.
Major Zhakom explained that, “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”, adding that, “Efforts to track and apprehend the suspects are ongoing.”
Major Zhakom also reiterated the army’s commitment to decisive action against all criminal elements undermining peace and security in the region.
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
