In a decisive operation, troops from Operation Safe Haven’s Forward Operation Base in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State neutralized five bandits, including a notorious leader, Kachalla Saleh. The operation, which took place around noon on Monday in Kinashe village, Bashar District, has brought relief to residents who have endured frequent attacks by bandit groups over the past two years.

The bandits were taken by surprise in their hideout in the heavily forested area of Kinashe. According to Abdullahi Haruna, a vigilante leader in Wase, the security personnel managed to execute the operation without resistance due to the unexpected nature of their arrival. “The bandits had been using the area as a refuge after displacing residents,” Haruna explained. “They didn’t anticipate an intervention from security forces in such a secluded location.”

This operation came shortly after a violent clash between bandits and local vigilantes in Dogon Ruwa community, which resulted in four fatalities. Residents of Wase, particularly those from Bashar District, expressed their gratitude to the troops for the successful mission, as they have long struggled with banditry that has resulted in numerous civilian and security personnel deaths.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Maj Samson Zhakom, for further details on the operation were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages from our correspondent.

The sustained military presence and success of recent operations signal a stronger stance against banditry in Wase, a region heavily impacted by years of instability.