Joy As Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims In Plateau

Troops of Sector 9 under Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a coordinated military operation in Pandam Forest, located in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to security authorities, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by troops stationed in Namu Town following credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers within the forest.

Military spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, disclosed that the troops launched the offensive at about 3:00 a.m. as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace, strengthen security, and protect residents across the Joint Operations Area.

During the operation, the troops encountered resistance as the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire while attempting to flee, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The military revealed that three abducted victims managed to escape amid the confusion created by the gun battle. Troops subsequently intensified search operations across the forest, leading to the rescue of five additional victims and bringing the total number of those freed to eight.

Captain Oteh stated that all rescued victims were in stable condition and that arrangements were underway to reunite them with their families.

He also noted that residents of the affected communities had commended the troops for the successful operation and pledged to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence to aid efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Meanwhile, security forces have continued pursuing the fleeing suspects with the objective of apprehending or neutralising them. The military further appealed to members of the public to sustain their cooperation by providing credible information that would assist in eliminating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across the operation’s area of responsibility.

The latest rescue operation comes amid intensified security efforts across Plateau State, where several communities have continued to grapple with kidnappings, violent attacks, and other criminal activities in recent months.