Security forces thwart abduction bids, free 10 captives in Plateau and Kaduna

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace successfully thwarted multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims in separate operations conducted in Plateau and Kaduna states within the last 48 hours, sparking intense manhunts for fleeing criminal elements.

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These operations were disclosed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, in a statement issued on Sunday in Jos, highlighting the military's continued efforts to combat insecurity.

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In one instance, troops of Sector 5 operating in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State responded to a distress call in Faggem Village, thwarting an attempted abduction and forcing the kidnappers to flee into a nearby forest.

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The operation resulted in the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been abducted and injured during the incident, and were subsequently evacuated to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment.

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A manhunt was launched for the fleeing suspects, while the rescued couple received medical attention for their injuries, marking a significant outcome of the operation.

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In a separate operation, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area responded to reports of suspected kidnappers blocking the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5.

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Upon arrival, troops found an abandoned ash-coloured Honda vehicle and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes, resulting in the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.

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The rescued victims, who had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos, reported their abduction to security operatives, while the driver of the vehicle remains missing, with ongoing efforts to locate and rescue him.

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Troops of Sector 7 deployed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State also responded to reports of armed men blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of Saturday.

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Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been abducted, and the military recovered eight empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, launching a pursuit operation into the surrounding forest.

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The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate and rescue other occupants of the vehicle.

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Captain Oteh reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents and travellers within its area of responsibility.

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He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal.