Troops Neutralise Kidnappers, Rescue Victims, Foil Attacks in Kaduna Plateau
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have recorded major operational successes against criminal elements in Kaduna and Plateau states, neutralising several kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims and foiling planned attacks in a series of coordinated operations carried out between December 11 and 13, 2025.
The operations were conducted under the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD, aimed at curbing kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the joint operations area.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) on December 11 carried out an offensive clearance operation on identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages of Jema’a Local Government Area. The operation followed repeated incidents of kidnapping in the area.
According to the military, troops made contact with the criminals during the raid, leading to a gun battle in which three notorious kidnappers were neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
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Similarly, on December 12, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) executed a successful covert operation against a notorious bandit, kidnapper and gunrunner linked to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Bassa and Jos North local government areas of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu–Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA.
Military sources said the suspect opened fire on sighting the troops but was swiftly neutralised. Items recovered from him include a pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dagger, a mobile phone and a large sum of money, all of which are currently in military custody.
On December 13, troops also thwarted a planned attack in Gidan-Saki Village, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State, following actionable intelligence. The prompt response by the troops forced the criminals to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes. Troops are reportedly deploying necessary measures to apprehend the suspects.
In another operation on the same day in Plateau State, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre carried out an ambush after four persons were kidnapped at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA. The troops laid an ambush along the kidnappers’ withdrawal route, leading to a firefight that forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.
During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralised, while all four abducted persons were rescued alive. Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across Kaduna, Plateau and the wider joint operations area.
By PRNigeria
