Troops of Nigerian Army neutralise bándits, apprehend suspected gûnrunner in Plateau state

In a sustained push to clear criminal elements from the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops from 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN, under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have achieved significant successes in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

On July 3, troops conducted a clearance operation in the challenging terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, situated along the Plateau, Nasarawa State border.

During the operation, security forces engaged armed militias in Hokk.

A brief but decisive firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of several bandits, while others managed to escape into the nearby forests.

Troops thoroughly exploited the area and have since maintained a strong presence through mobile and static patrols to prevent any attempts by the criminals to regroup.

Later that same evening, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Mangar, Daffo District of Bokkos LGA.

This was contained in a statement on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army, on Friday, 4th of July 2025.

The statement reads:

“In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes.

“On 3 July 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border. During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests. Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.

“In a separate operation later that evening at approximately 5:45pm, troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Mangar, Daffo District of Bokkos LGA. The individual, caught transporting arms and ammunition on a motorcycle, was intercepted at a snap checkpoint. The suspect and recovered items are in custody, as investigations and follow-on operations continue to track other members of the arms smuggling network.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>