Troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have apprehended a notorious gunrunner and suspected kidnapper, Blessed Paul, in the Garaje Community of Jema’a Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
According to intelligence sources speaking with security analyst Zagazola Makama on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the 22-year-old suspect had been a wanted figure for his involvement in gunrunning and kidnapping activities.
The operation, carried out under the framework of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, was a tactical sting operation designed to capture Paul. After fleeing to Abuja to evade capture, Paul was lured back under the pretense of selling an AK-47 rifle for N1.5 million. He agreed to meet the supposed buyers at a designated location in Garaje Community.
Upon arrival, troops posing as buyers arrested him and conducted a search. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is providing valuable intelligence to assist security forces in further dismantling his criminal syndicate.
