Five Killed As Troops Rescue Kidnapped Victim In Plateau Raid

Troops of Sector 6 of Operation OPEP have neutralised five suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a raid on a criminal hideout in Plateau State.

The operation took place at Angwan Boka in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area following intelligence reports on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate in the area.

Naija News reports that the development was disclosed by counter-insurgency and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in a post shared on his page on Tuesday.

According to the report, troops launched the raid at about 6:20 pm on February 17 after actionable intelligence was obtained from two suspects who had been arrested earlier on February 16.

The suspects were said to have confessed to being members of a kidnapping syndicate and revealed the location of their accomplices’ hideout.

They also reportedly confirmed that a woman abducted earlier at about 6:00am the same day was being held at the location.

“Troops immediately mobilised to the objective with the two arrested suspects in custody,” the report noted.

On arrival at the hideout, the troops encountered the kidnappers, leading to a gun battle.

“On arrival, they made contact with the kidnappers and neutralised three of them during an exchange of fire,” the publication said.

The operation reportedly led to the rescue of the abducted woman, while other suspects were neutralised in the course of the raid as security forces dismantled the criminal camp.

It was said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crimes in Plateau communities.

Naija News understands that the operation follows recent complaints from residents of the area over recurring attacks and abductions, prompting intensified military operations and intelligence gathering across the state.