By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued several victims in coordinated operations across Plateau and Kaduna states, reinforcing ongoing efforts to secure highways and communities within the Joint Operations Area.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Oteh, the successful operations were conducted over the last 48 hours and led to the rescue of kidnapped passengers, a pastor and his wife, while security forces intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing criminals.
In one of the operations, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5, 2026.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned in the middle of the road. A search-and-rescue mission was immediately launched in the surrounding bushes, leading to the successful rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The rescued victims disclosed that they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were abducted. While all six passengers were rescued unharmed, the driver of the vehicle remains missing. Troops have continued search efforts to locate and rescue him.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5 in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State thwarted an attempted abduction following a distress call from Faggem Village on June 5.
The swift military response forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest. During the operation, troops rescued a pastor and his wife who had been abducted by the criminals.
The victims, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment, while troops launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, troops of Sector 7 deployed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State responded in the early hours of June 6 to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.
On reaching the scene, the troops discovered that some passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had already been kidnapped. Security personnel recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pursued the attackers into the adjoining forest.
The operation resulted in the rescue of two injured passengers, who were evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical attention. Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted passengers.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements operating along major highways and within local communities.
The task force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing security and protecting lives and property.
