Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Plateau, Kaduna
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued at least 10 victims during a series of coordinated operations conducted across Plateau and Kaduna states over the past 48 hours.
The military said the successful operations demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding lives and securing communities and major highways within the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5.
Upon arriving at the scene, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned in the middle of the road. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched in the surrounding bush, leading to the rescue of six abducted passengers.
The victims reportedly told security personnel that they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were intercepted by the kidnappers.
While the six passengers were successfully rescued, the driver of the vehicle remains missing. Troops have continued search operations aimed at locating and rescuing him.
In a separate operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 5 thwarted another kidnapping attempt following a distress call from Faggem Village on June 5.
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The military said troops swiftly mobilised to the area, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest due to sustained operational pressure.
The operation resulted in the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been abducted by the criminals. The couple sustained injuries during the attack and were evacuated to the Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, troops of Sector 7 stationed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State responded in the early hours of Saturday, June 6, to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.
On reaching the location, troops discovered that the assailants had abducted several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle.
During the operation, security personnel recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pursued the attackers into the adjoining forest.
The rescue effort led to the recovery of two injured passengers, who were subsequently evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment.
The military said efforts were ongoing to rescue other passengers believed to have been taken away by the terrorists.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reassured residents that it would sustain its offensive against criminal elements threatening communities and major transportation routes within its area of responsibility.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
Captain Oteh reiterated that troops would not relent in their determination to rid highways and communities of criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens.
By PRNigeria
