Operatives of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau State have killed several bandits in the Gudiri community of Bashar District in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State and injured several others.
The recent operation by OPSH was prompted by the abduction of a police officer, who was later killed by the bandits in the Kampani community of Bashar District. His remains were subsequently found in a nearby bush.
A highly reliable source close to the community where the abduction occurred revealed that the military invaded the bandits’ enclave on Tuesday at around 5:30 p.m. and engaged them in a fierce battle that lasted several hours.
Inside Arewa gathered that OPSH operatives eventually overpowered the large number of bandits and recovered over one hundred cattle from their den.
A hunter in the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, accompanied the military to the bandits’ hideout.
He disclosed that several bandits were killed while many others escaped with various injuries. He also noted that three soldiers lost their lives during the operation.
“It was a fierce battle. The bandits initially tried to resist the military but were overpowered by superior firepower.
More than 15 bandits were killed, and many others fled with gunshot wounds. Three soldiers also died in the process. We recovered more than one hundred cattle from them,” he said.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, confirmed the incident and reported that several bandits were killed while some soldiers also lost their lives.
He added that the security personnel intervened following numerous complaints of terrorism by the bandits in the locality.
He stated that the community was pleased with the military’s intervention, noting that residents had been living in fear before the security forces stepped in to address the situation.
All attempts to contact Major Samson Zhalom, the Media Officer of OPSH, for comment were unsuccessful as he could not be reached on his mobile phone.
