Troops of Operation Safe Haven stationed at the Forward Operation Base in Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, have reportedly killed five bandits, including notorious kingpin Kachalla Saleh, in an operation that took place around noon on Monday.
This comes shortly after a violent clash between bandits and vigilantes in the Dogon Ruwa community, which left four people dead.
A vigilante leader in Wase, Abdullahi Haruna, on Tuesday, said that the operation unfolded in the bushy Kinashe village of Bashar District, where bandits had been using the area as a hideout after forcing residents to flee.
Haruna explained, “The bandits didn’t expect security personnel to descend upon them at that time, given the area’s nature. The troops caught them off guard, resulting in a swift and resistance-free operation.”
Residents of Wase, particularly those in Bashar District, have praised the security forces for their successful intervention. Banditry has plagued the villages in Wase LGA for over two years, with numerous deaths reported, including those of security personnel.
Attempts to reach Operation Safe Haven’s spokesperson, Maj. Samson Zhakom, for comment, was unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.
