In a decisive pre-Christmas crackdown, OPWS troops joined forces with police and community guards to take down a notorious criminal syndicate that had turned Ukum Junction into a death trap for travellers. Acting on solid intelligence, the team stormed an illegal roadblock on 11 December 2025 — where the gang had been ambushing and robbing innocent people for months.
Three key members of the group (linked to widespread kidnappings across Ukum LGA and the Zaki-Biam yam market) were neutralised, while others scattered into the bush. Two getaway motorcycles were seized, and a manhunt is now in full swing for the fugitives.
The gang was also connected to a feared bandit kingpin operating in nearby Katsina-Ala LGA. Force Commander Major General Moses Gara hailed the “courage and perfect synergy” of security personnel, vowing to keep up the pressure to ensure a safe yuletide — and restore lasting peace to the region. Would you like me to rework the entire press release in this more hard-hitting style?
