Troops rescue kidnap victims in Plateau and Kaduna as Operation Enduring Peace foils abductions and launches manhunts for suspects
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued 10 kidnap victims, including a pastor and his wife, after foiling multiple abduction attempts in Plateau and Kaduna states during a series of security operations conducted over the last 48 hours.
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The successful missions were disclosed on Sunday by the spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who said the operations underscore the military’s determination to secure highways and communities within its area of responsibility.
According to Oteh, troops launched swift interventions following distress calls and intelligence reports, leading to the rescue of victims and the commencement of manhunts for fleeing suspects.
“In a series of decisive operations conducted over the last 48 hours, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have successfully foiled multiple kidnapping attempts, rescued several victims, and launched aggressive manhunts for fleeing criminal elements across Plateau and Kaduna states,” the statement said.
The first operation occurred in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where troops of Sector 6 responded to reports that suspected kidnappers had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5.
On arrival, soldiers discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned on the road. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched in nearby bushes, resulting in the rescue of six passengers.
The victims told security personnel they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos when they were abducted.
While the passengers were rescued safely, the vehicle’s driver remains missing. Troops have continued search operations to locate and rescue him.
In a separate operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 5 responded to an emergency call from Faggem Village and disrupted an ongoing kidnapping attempt.
The military said the criminals fled into a nearby forest after coming under operational pressure from the troops.
The operation led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been seized by the kidnappers.
The couple sustained injuries during the attack and were evacuated to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment.
“The chase led troops to successfully rescue a pastor and his wife from the clutches of the kidnappers,” Oteh stated.
A manhunt has also been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the attack.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7 stationed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area responded early on June 6 to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.
Upon reaching the area, soldiers discovered that several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been abducted.
Troops recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene before pursuing the kidnappers into the surrounding forest.
The operation resulted in the rescue of two injured passengers, who were immediately taken to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment.
Security forces said efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining victims believed to have been taken by the attackers.
The troops rescue kidnap victims operations form part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat kidnapping, banditry and terrorism across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Oteh reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that troops would sustain aggressive operations against criminal groups operating along major highways and within vulnerable communities.
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“Operation Enduring Peace will not relent in its ongoing deliberate efforts and decisive operations to rid the highways and communities of criminal elements,” he said.
