Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued several victims in coordinated operations across Plateau and Kaduna states, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and improve security in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operations were carried out within the last 48 hours across different locations within the Joint Operations Area.
In Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 6 responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway in Sopp District at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5. Upon arriving at the scene, the soldiers found an ash-coloured Honda vehicle, bearing registration number APP-93CF, abandoned on the road.
A search-and-rescue operation launched immediately in nearby bushes led to the rescue of six abducted passengers. The victims told security personnel they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos when they were attacked. However, the driver of the vehicle remains missing, with troops continuing efforts to locate and rescue him.
Read Also:
In a separate operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 5 thwarted an ongoing abduction attempt in Faggem Village following a distress call received on June 5.
The swift deployment of troops reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest. During the operation, a pastor and his wife were rescued. The couple, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment, while security forces launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 7 operating in Ungwan Gora, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded in the early hours of June 6 to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.
On arrival, the troops discovered that several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been abducted. Security personnel recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pursued the attackers into the adjoining forest.
The operation resulted in the rescue of two injured passengers, who were subsequently evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment. Efforts are ongoing to rescue other passengers still believed to be in captivity.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reiterated its commitment to safeguarding communities and major highways within its area of responsibility. The task force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
