Troops under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have thwarted an attempt by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to establish operational bases in Plateau and Bauchi States. The development follows a successful sting operation on April 11, in the Yelwa area of Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State.
According to OPSH’s media officer, Major Samson Zhakom, two suspected ISWAP operatives—25-year-olds Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan—were arrested while operating under the guise of running a tailoring business. Preliminary investigations revealed they were dispatched by an ISWAP commander to set up new terrorist cells in the North-Central region.
“This is a significant development as it reveals the intent of ISWAP to infiltrate and establish operational bases within the North-Central region of Nigeria,” Zhakom stated.
In a related operation, OPSH Sector 4 troops raided a criminal hideout in Mazat village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Though the suspect fled before the arrival of troops, an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and other materials were recovered from the site.
Meanwhile, Sector 2 troops ambushed bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala road in Wase Local Government Area, neutralizing one, while others escaped with injuries.
Despite these efforts, violence continues in some areas. In a separate incident, terrorists attacked Zogu community in Miango District, Bassa Local Government Area, killing a man and his two sons. The victims were identified by the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) as 56-year-old Weyi Gebeh and his sons Zhu (25) and Henry (16).
Reacting to the killings, IDA spokesman Jugo condemned the attack, describing it as part of a growing pattern of violent incursions in Irigwe land. He called on the Plateau State government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action.
“IDA therefore calls on the Plateau State government and the security to do the needful and stop the killing of innocent people in Irigwe land,” Jugo said.
OPSH and security forces continue to intensify efforts to curb the spread of terrorism and banditry in the region.
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