Troops of Operations Safe Haven (OPSH) in charge of security in Plateau State have arrested two members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) sent to facilitate the establishment of an ISWAP base in Plateau and Bauchi States.
In a statement signed by the media officer of the OPSH, Major Samson Zahkom, the troops, in a coordinated operation on 11 April 2025, busted an ISWAP cell located around the Yelwa axis in the Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The statement depicted that, during the sting operation, two suspected ISWAP members identified as Abdulkadir Dalhatu, and Ubaidu Hassan, posing as tailors, were arrested by troops.
It highlighted that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspects were mandated by an ISWAP commander to use the cover of tailoring to facilitate the establishment of ISWAP bases in Plateau and Bauchi States.
Also, the troops of Sector 4 OPSH conducted a follow-up operation at the hideout of a wanted criminal at Mazat Village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, where the suspect fled before troops arrived at the scene.
According to the statement, troops searched the hideout and recovered one AK-47 rifle as well as one AK-47 magazine buried in the building, adding that efforts are ongoing to nab the fleeing criminal and also recover other weapons in his possession.
