Troops Arrest ISWAP Members Disguised as Tailors in Plateau
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) who were posing as tailors in a bid to set up a t+rrorist cell in Plateau State.
The suspects, Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan, both 25, were captured during a joint intelligence-led operation on April 11 in Yelwa, Shendam LGA.
According to OPSH spokesperson, Major Samson Zakhom, the duo were part of an ISWAP network assigned to establish operational bases in Plateau and Bauchi under orders from a senior ISWAP commander.
“They used tailoring as cover for their activities,” Zakhom said, adding that both men are in custody and will be prosecuted under Nigerian law.
In separate operations, OPSH troops also raided criminal hideouts and neutralised armed thr+ats across the state.
On April 11, troops stormed a hideout in Mazat village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Though the prime suspect escaped, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and magazine from the scene.
The next day, April 12, troops carried out an ambush along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase LGA, targeting suspected bandits. One bandit was k+lled, while others fled with possible inj¥ries. A locally-made p+stol was recovered.
Major Zakhom credited the success of these operations to strong collaboration between security forces and local residents. “Timely intelligence from the public has been key,” he said. “We urge continued vigilance and support to rid the region of security thr+ats.”
Operation SAFE HAVEN is a joint military task force tackling te+rrorism, banditry, and communal v+olence in Plateau and neighboring states.
