Troops Rescue Abducted Victims In Plateau Forest

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

The operation was carried out by troops deployed in Namu Town on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Naija News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued in Jos by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Oteh.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.

Oteh said the troops moved into the area at about 3:00am and engaged the suspects during the operation.

“The operation, conducted at approximately 3:00am following credible intelligence regarding the presence of kidnappers in the forest, highlights the troops’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security as well as the protection of citizens across Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area,” he said.

The statement said the suspected kidnappers opened fire sporadically in an attempt to escape, leading to a gun battle with the troops.

“During the operation, troops engaged in a firefight with the suspected kidnappers, who fired sporadically in an attempt to withdraw,” Oteh said.

He explained that three of the abducted victims escaped from the kidnappers during the confusion that followed the exchange of fire.

“Utilising the ensuing chaos, three of the kidnapped victims managed to escape earlier from the kidnappers’ custody.

“Subsequent exploitation and thorough combing 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,” he added.

Oteh said the rescued victims were in safe condition, adding that arrangements were being made to reunite them with their families.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe condition and efforts are ongoing to unite them with their respective families,” he said.

The military spokesperson said the successful operation had been applauded by members of the local communities, who also promised to continue providing useful information to security agencies.

He said, “This successful operation has been highly applauded by members of the local communities who indicated willingness to continue to provide useful information to ensure the arrest of the kidnappers.”

Oteh added that troops were still pursuing the fleeing kidnappers with a view to apprehending or neutralising them.

“Troops are currently on pursuit to apprehend or neutralise fleeing kidnappers. Operation Enduring Peace appreciates the citizens for their cooperation and calls for more support in disrupting criminal elements and restoring the desired peace across the Joint Operations Area,” he stated.

The operation comes amid renewed security efforts in parts of Plateau State, where communities have continued to face attacks, kidnappings and other forms of criminal violence.