Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued several victims in Plateau and Kaduna States following series of coordinated operations conducted over the past 48 hours.
The military says the operations demonstrate its commitment to securing communities and protecting commuters within its area of responsibility.
Troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin road in the early hours of June 5.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned on the highway. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched in the surrounding bush, leading to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The victims told security personnel they were travelling from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Jos when they were abducted. While all six passengers have been rescued, the driver of the vehicle remains missing, and efforts are ongoing to locate him.
In a separate operation in Bokkos Local Government Area, troops of Sector 5 responded to a distress call from Faggem Village and successfully foiled an attempted abduction.
The swift intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest.
Troops rescued a pastor and his wife, who sustained injuries during the attack. The couple was evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment, while security operatives launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 7 stationed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State responded to reports of armed men blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of June 6.
On reaching the scene, the troops discovered that several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been kidnapped. Security personnel 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 evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment. Efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Operation ENDURING PEACE has reassured residents that it will sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to enhance ongoing security efforts.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
