Military Foils ISWAP Plot To Establish Operational Cells In Plateau, Bauchi

Military Foils ISWAP Plot To Establish Operational Cells In Plateau, Bauchi

Troops under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have uncovered a plan by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to set up operational bases in Plateau and Bauchi States.

In a statement released on Sunday by OPSH’s Media Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, it was disclosed that two suspected ISWAP operatives were apprehended during a covert operation on April 11 in the Yelwa area of Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State…READ MORE…

The suspects—Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25 years old—allegedly posed as tailors while secretly working to advance ISWAP’s presence in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were acting on the instructions of an ISWAP commander to establish new terrorist cells in Plateau and Bauchi States.

In a separate operation, troops from Sector 4 of OPSH raided the residence of a wanted criminal in Mazat village, located in Barkin Ladi LGA. Although the suspect fled before the troops arrived, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, and other concealed items from the property.

Additionally, troops from Sector 2, acting on actionable intelligence, ambushed a group of bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala road in Wase LGA. One bandit was neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

In a tragic incident, suspected terrorists launched an early morning attack on the Zogu community in Miango District, Bassa LGA, resulting in the death of a father and his two sons.

According to the Irigwe Development Association, the victims were identified as 56-year-old Weyi Gebeh and his sons, Zhu (25) and Henry (16).

Speaking on the attack, a representative of the Irigwe community, Jugo, condemned the violence and questioned the intent behind such killings.

“The repeated, unchecked invasions of our community suggest motives beyond simple retaliation,” he said. “We urge the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take decisive action to end the continued loss of innocent lives in Irigwe land.”