Eight kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after troops launched a successful offensive against suspected kidnappers operating in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday following credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers within the forest.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Capt. Chinonso Oteh, troops deployed under Sector 9 and stationed in Namu Town conducted the operation at about 3:00 a.m. as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security across the joint operations area.
Oteh said the troops encountered the suspected kidnappers during the operation, leading to an exchange of gunfire as the criminals attempted to escape.
“The operation, conducted following credible intelligence regarding the presence of kidnappers in the forest, highlights the troops’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security as well as protecting citizens across the Joint Operations Area,” Oteh said.
He explained that three of the victims managed to flee during the confusion created by the firefight, while troops subsequently combed the forest and rescued five additional victims, bringing the total number of those freed to eight.
According to him, all the rescued victims are safe and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
“Subsequent exploitation and thorough combing of the forest by the troops led to the rescue of an additional five abducted victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to eight,” the military spokesman stated.
Oteh added that the successful operation had been widely commended by residents of surrounding communities, who pledged to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to curb criminal activities in the area.
He disclosed that troops had launched a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers with a view to apprehending or neutralising them.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the cooperation of members of the public and calls for sustained support through timely and credible information to help disrupt criminal elements and restore lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area,” Oteh added.
The latest rescue comes amid sustained military operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Plateau State, where security forces have intensified intelligence-driven offensives to dismantle criminal hideouts and improve public safety.
