Troops arrest ISWAP members disguised as tailors to establish bases in Plateau, Bauchi

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) who were disguised as tailors to establish a terrorist cell in Plateau State.

In a series of coordinated operations between April 11 and 12, security forces also neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered firearms across different locations in the state.

In a statement issued Saturday in Jos, OPSH spokesperson Major Samson Zakhom said the suspects, Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old, were apprehended at Yelwa in Shendam Local Government Area during a joint intelligence-led operation by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects were part of an ISWAP cell tasked with establishing bases in Plateau and Bauchi states under the directive of an ISWAP commander,” Zakhom stated.

“They had been using the guise of tailoring to further the group’s agenda in the area.”

He added that the suspects were being held in custody for further interrogation and would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.

In a separate operation on April 11, troops of Sector 4 OPSH raided a criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau state

Meanwhile, the primary suspect managed to escape before the troops arrived; a search of the premises led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle (registration number 23402) and an accompanying magazine.

“The recovered weapons have been secured,” Zakhom said.

“Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional arms are ongoing.”

On April 12, troops of Sector 2 OPSH conducted a successful ambush along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase Local Government Area, targeting suspected bandits operating in the region.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops made contact with the bandits. One bandit was neutralised, while others fled the scene, possibly with gunshot wounds,” the spokesperson revealed.

“A fabricated pistol was recovered during the follow-up operation.”

Major Zakhom emphasised OPSH’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, crediting the recent successes to collaboration between the troops and local communities.

“Our operations have been largely successful due to the timely and accurate intelligence provided by the public,” he said.

“We urge continued support and vigilance from residents to help us combat these security threats effectively.”

Operation SAFE HAVEN is a special military task force operating in Plateau and surrounding states to curb terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.