Troops arrest suspected killers of Catholic seminarian in Kaduna »

The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a seminarian, Naaman Stephen Ngophe, in Kaduna State.

The two suspects were paraded alongside 6 others arrested in connection with the murder of one Mrs Dorathy Jonathan, gunrunning, manufacturing, and the killing of a herder at Gora town, all in Kaduna State.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos, on Friday, 29 September 2023, the Media Information Officer OPSH, Captain Oya James, said a total of 31 different calibres of weapons were also recovered.

“Two suspects, Hassan Mato and Ahmad Khalifa were arrested for attacking and burning Saint Raphael Catholic Church at Fadan Kamantan village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, killing a seminarian Naaman Stephen Ngophe while Reverend Father Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday were rescued during the attack by troops,” he stated.

“Two of the suspects were arrested for the gruesome murder of Mrs. Dorathy Jonathan at Afana village in Zango Kataf local government area of Kaduna State,”
Speaking further, Captain James informed the journalists that following weeklong intelligence operations, a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John, was arrested.

“The arrested suspect led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different caliber were sold by another miscreant, Monday Dunia, who confessed to have been in the business for more than five years fueling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States,” he stated.

“Another two suspects were arrested for their involvement in the killing of a herder following a reprisal attack by locals over the killing of a farmer at Gora town
“A total of 31 different caliber of weapons were recovered from the suspects including 3 AK 47 Riffles, 5 fabricated AK 47 Riffles, 1 x Pump action rifle and 10 locally fabricated pistols. Others include 8 fabricated revolvers rifles and 3 locally fabricated Sub Machine guns,”

The Media Information Officer said the General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA and Commander OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar appreciates every law-abiding citizen for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality, and promised that the suspects would be prosecuted in court immediately after investigations are concluded.