Troops Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts, Rescue Victims in Plateau and Kaduna

By Pan Afric Reporters

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded major successes against criminal elements in Plateau and Kaduna states, rescuing several kidnap victims and thwarting multiple abduction attempts in a series of coordinated operations conducted over the last 48 hours.

The development, contained in a statement issued by the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE and signed by its Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, underscores the military’s intensified campaign against kidnapping and highway banditry within its operational area.

The statement said the operations led to the rescue of at least 10 victims, including six commuters, a pastor and his wife, as well as two passengers abducted along major highways in Plateau and Kaduna states.

In Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 6 swiftly responded to reports of armed kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway in the early hours of June 5.

Upon arrival, the soldiers discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in nearby bushes.

The operation resulted in the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.

According to the victims, they had boarded the commercial vehicle from Lafia in Nasarawa State and were travelling to Jos before they were ambushed by the kidnappers.

While the passengers were rescued unharmed, the driver of the vehicle remains missing.

“Troops are maintaining an active search to locate and rescue the missing driver,” the statement said.

In another operation, troops of Sector 5 successfully foiled an abduction attempt in Faggem Village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Acting on a distress call, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest.

The military rescued a pastor and his wife who had been abducted by the criminals.

The couple sustained injuries during the attack and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment.

“The operational pressure mounted by troops forced the criminals to abandon their targets and flee into the forest,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 7 operating in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State also responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of June 6.

On arrival, troops discovered that several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had already been abducted.

Security personnel recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene before launching an aggressive pursuit into the surrounding forest.

The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were immediately taken to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical attention.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening lives and livelihoods across Plateau, Kaduna, and neighbouring states.

The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.

“Operation ENDURING PEACE reassures the general public that it will not relent in its ongoing deliberate efforts and decisive operations to rid the highways and communities of criminal elements,” the statement added.

This version is tailored to newspaper, online news platform, and magazine publication standards, with a stronger headline and lead focused on the security breakthrough.