Troops Foil ISWAP Plot In Plateau: Arrest Terrorists Disguised As Tailors, Kill Bandit In Separate Operation

Jos, Plateau State– Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) who were allegedly operating under the guise of tailors in Plateau State as part of a covert effort to establish a terrorist base in the region.

In a statement released on Saturday in Jos, Major Samson Zakhom, spokesperson for OPSH, said the arrests were made on Friday, April 11, 2025, during a coordinated intelligence-led operation at the Yelwa axis in Shendam Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the suspects — identified as 25-year-old Abdulkadir Dalhatu and Ubaidu Hassan — were posing as tailors in the community while allegedly executing directives from an ISWAP commander to create operational cells in Plateau and Bauchi States.

“The suspects were apprehended by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shendam, acting on credible intelligence,” said Major Zakhom.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that they were part of an ISWAP cell sent to establish a foothold in the region. They used tailoring as a cover to avoid detection and carry out their mission.”

Zakhom confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.

In a related development, troops of Sector 4 OPSH, on the same day, raided a criminal hideout in Mazat Village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Though the prime suspect managed to escape before the arrival of security personnel, a search of the premises led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with registration number 23402 and an AK-47 magazine.

“The weapons have been secured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover additional arms,” Zakhom said.

Furthermore, on April 12, troops of Sector 2 OPSH successfully ambushed a group of bandits along the Pinau-Bangalala Road in Wase LGA, resulting in the death of one bandit during a brief gunfight.

“The operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led to contact with the bandits. One was neutralized while others fled, likely with gunshot wounds.

A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the scene during a follow-up sweep,” the OPSH spokesperson revealed.

Zakhom lauded the cooperation between security forces and local communities, emphasizing the role of timely intelligence in foiling criminal activities and insurgency plots in the region.

“Operation SAFE HAVEN remains committed to tackling security threats in Plateau and surrounding areas. The recent successes are the result of a strong synergy between the troops and the people,” he said. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the military with credible information.”