Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have thwarted multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued several victims in coordinated operations across Plateau and Kaduna states, reinforcing ongoing efforts to secure highways and communities from criminal elements.
The successful operations, conducted within the last 48 hours, saw troops respond swiftly to distress calls, leading to the rescue of kidnapped passengers and the disruption of criminal activities in various locations within the Joint Operations Area.
In one of the operations, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway in the early hours of June 5. Upon arrival, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road and immediately launched a search-and-rescue mission in the surrounding bushes.
The operation resulted in the rescue of six kidnapped passengers who were travelling from Lafia, Nasarawa State, to Jos. The victims were safely recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing driver of the commercial vehicle.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of Sector 5 in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State responded to a distress call from Faggem Village, where kidnappers were reportedly attempting to abduct residents. The troops’ rapid intervention forced the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest.
The security personnel subsequently rescued a pastor and his wife who had been seized by the kidnappers. The couple, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment. Troops have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 7 operating in Ungwan Gora, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of June 6.
On reaching the scene, the troops discovered that some passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had already been abducted. Security operatives recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pursued the attackers into the adjoining forest.
The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were promptly evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment. Efforts are continuing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted passengers.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements operating along major highways and within communities. The task force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance ongoing security operations.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the military remains resolute in its determination to rid the region of kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the safety of residents and travellers.
