Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a clearance operation targeting suspected bandits’ hideouts in Pandam Forest, located in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation began at about 3:00 a.m. on June 24, 2026, when security personnel launched a coordinated raid on criminal camps believed to be operating within the forest.
According to security sources, the suspected bandits opened sporadic gunfire in an attempt to create confusion and facilitate their escape from the advancing troops.
Amid the exchange, some of the captives seized the opportunity to flee from their abductors. Three victims were rescued during the initial phase of the operation.
As troops continued combing the forest later in the day, five more victims emerged from the bush and were safely recovered, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.
Security sources said the successful operation has been widely commended by residents of nearby communities, who expressed appreciation for the efforts of the troops in rescuing the victims and sustaining security operations in the area.
No security personnel were killed or injured during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops have continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle their remaining hideouts in the forest as part of ongoing operations to improve security across the area.
