By Israel Adamu, Jos
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled several kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims during coordinated operations in Plateau and Kaduna States.
The military said the operations, carried out within the last 48 hours, also led to ongoing manhunts for fleeing criminal elements involved in the attacks.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Jos.
According to him, troops of Sector 5 operating in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State foiled an attempted abduction in Faggem Village following a distress call from residents.
The troops reportedly mobilised swiftly to the scene, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and escape into a nearby forest.
The operation led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been abducted by the attackers. The victims sustained injuries and were taken to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment, while troops continued a search for the fleeing suspects.
In another operation, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area responded to reports of kidnappers who blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5.
On arrival, the troops found an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road and launched a search-and-rescue operation in nearby bushes, leading to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The victims said they boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were abducted.
However, the driver of the vehicle remains missing, with efforts ongoing to locate and rescue him.
Similarly, troops of Sector 7 deployed in Ungwan Gora, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of Saturday.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the gunmen had abducted passengers from a commercial vehicle and fled into the forest.
The military recovered eight empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene and immediately launched a pursuit operation into surrounding areas.
The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi for medical treatment, while efforts continue to rescue other abducted victims.
Captain Oteh said Operation Enduring Peace remains committed to sustained offensive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents and travellers within its area of responsibility.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-kidnapping operations.
