Troops rescue eight kidnap victims in Plateau forest, launch manhunt for fleeing criminals

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

The successful operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities and location of armed kidnappers operating within the forest.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh, and made available to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

According to Oteh, the military operation commenced at approximately 3:00 a.m. as troops launched a deliberate offensive aimed at dismantling the kidnappers’ hideout and securing the release of their captives.

He said the troops encountered fierce resistance from the suspected kidnappers, who opened fire sporadically in a desperate attempt to evade arrest and escape from the advancing security personnel.

“The operation, conducted following credible intelligence regarding the presence of kidnappers in the forest, highlights the troops’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security as well as protecting citizens across the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area,” Oteh stated.

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He explained that amid the exchange of gunfire, three of the abducted victims seized the opportunity created by the confusion to escape from the kidnappers’ custody.

The military subsequently intensified its search of the forest, conducting extensive exploitation and combing operations that led to the rescue of five additional victims.

“The thorough exploitation of the forest by the troops led to the rescue of an additional five abducted victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to eight,” the statement added.

Captain Oteh confirmed that all the rescued victims are safe and are currently receiving necessary care while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

He also revealed that troops have launched a sustained pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers with the objective of apprehending or neutralising the criminal elements responsible for the abductions.

The military spokesman noted that the successful rescue mission has been widely applauded by residents of the affected communities, who expressed appreciation for the swift intervention by security forces.

According to him, community members also pledged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to facilitate the arrest of the fleeing suspects and prevent future criminal activities.

Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal groups across its area of responsibility and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with actionable information.

The Joint Task Force emphasised that cooperation between local communities and security operatives remains critical to disrupting the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements, while restoring lasting peace and stability across Plateau State and adjoining areas.