Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued several victims during coordinated operations conducted across Plateau and Kaduna states over the last 48 hours.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, on Sunday.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers blocking the highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5, 2026.
Upon arriving at the scene, troops reportedly discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned in the middle of the road.
The statement said troops immediately launched a search and rescue operation in nearby bushes, leading to the successful rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The rescued victims reportedly informed security personnel that they had boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were abducted.
The military, however, disclosed that the driver of the vehicle remains missing, adding that troops have intensified efforts to locate and rescue him.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5 operating in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State also foiled another kidnapping attempt following a distress call from Faggem Village on June 5, 2026.
According to the statement, troops swiftly mobilised to the area, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest due to sustained operational pressure.
The operation led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife who had been abducted by the criminals.
The couple, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to a medical facility in Bokkos for treatment, while security operatives launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, troops of Sector 7 stationed at Ungwan Gora in 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, June 6, 2026.
The military said troops discovered that some passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been kidnapped by the attackers before their arrival.
During the operation, troops recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pursued the suspects into the adjoining forest.
The pursuit led to the rescue of two injured passengers, while efforts are ongoing to rescue other kidnapped occupants of the vehicle.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a nearby hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical attention.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reassured residents of its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating criminal activities along highways and within communities across its operational areas.
The military also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and useful information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against criminal elements.
