A wave of successful military operations across Plateau and Kaduna states has led to the rescue of at least 10 kidnap victims including a pastor and his wife, as troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks terrorising highways and communities.
The operations, conducted within the last 48 hours, saw troops respond swiftly to multiple distress calls, foil kidnapping attempts, rescue abducted commuters, and launch aggressive pursuit missions against fleeing criminal elements across the Joint Operations Areas.
The first operation occurred in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District responded to reports that suspected kidnappers had barricaded the highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis in the early hours of June 5.
Upon arrival, troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93-CF abandoned in the middle of the road, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue mission in nearby bushes.
The operation led to the successful rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The victims informed security personnel that they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were intercepted by the kidnappers.
Military authorities disclosed, however, that the driver of the vehicle remains unaccounted for, with troops maintaining intensive search efforts to locate and rescue him.
In a separate operation the same day, troops of Sector 5 stationed in Bokkos Local Government Area responded to a distress call from residents of Faggem Village over an ongoing abduction.
The rapid deployment of troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest.
The intervention resulted in the rescue of a pastor and his wife who had been seized by the criminals.
Although the couple sustained injuries during the attack, they were immediately evacuated to the Bokkos Medical Clinic where they received treatment.
Security forces have since commenced a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7 deployed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area recorded another breakthrough after responding to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of June 6.
Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been abducted.
During a preliminary assessment, security personnel recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition believed to have been used by the attackers.
Troops immediately pursued the criminals into the adjoining forest, resulting in the rescue of two injured passengers.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical attention, while efforts continue to locate and rescue the remaining abducted passengers.
Speaking on the operations, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Cpt Chinonso Oteh, said the successes demonstrated the military’s resolve to protect lives and deny criminal groups freedom of action within the area of responsibility.
”Our troops responded swiftly to distress calls across the Joint Operations Area, leading to the successful rescue of kidnapped victims and the disruption of criminal activities aimed at terrorising innocent citizens,” he said.
According to him, the operations reflected the effectiveness of ongoing security measures and the professionalism of troops deployed across the region.
”These successes underscore our unwavering commitment to maintaining security and guaranteeing the safety of commuters and residents within Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area,” Oteh stated.
He added that troops would continue offensive and intelligence-driven operations until criminal elements operating in the affected areas were completely neutralised.
”We will not relent in our deliberate efforts and decisive operations to rid our highways and communities of criminal elements. Troops remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects and ongoing rescue efforts are being intensified where necessary,” he said.
The military spokesman also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations.
”We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and actionable intelligence on the activities of criminal elements. Public cooperation remains critical to sustaining our operational successes,” Oteh added.
Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims, Foil Multiple Abductions in Plateau, Kaduna
