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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnapped victims in Pandam Forest, Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation was carried out early Wednesday. According to Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, troops launched the offensive operation at about 3 a.m. after receiving intelligence on the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.
During the exchange of gunfire, three abductees escaped from the kidnappers' custody. Troops later combed the forest and rescued five additional victims, bringing the total number of those rescued to eight. The rescued victims are receiving care and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
The military said local residents commended the operation and pledged to continue providing intelligence to security agencies to aid efforts to arrest criminal elements operating in the area.
The operation comes amid renewed security efforts across Plateau State following a series of deadly attacks. PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least 20 people were killed after armed attackers invaded Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area on 22 June. The Plateau State Police Command subsequently deployed tactical teams, while the state government ordered security agencies to hunt down the attackers.
A day later, on 23 June, PREMIUM TIMES also reported that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Dankombo Morris, to Plateau for an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation.
The police also announced the deployment of additional personnel and operational assets to Bokkos to strengthen security and reassure residents.
Kidnapping and attacks by armed groups have remained major security concerns in parts of Plateau State, prompting intensified operations by the military, police and other security agencies.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday following credible intelligence, the military said.
In the aftermath of the rescue, troops are currently on pursuit to apprehend or neutralize fleeing kidnappers, Chinonso Oteh said.
The military said the troops came under fire as the suspected kidnappers attempted to flee during the operation.
The rescued victims are receiving care and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families, the statement added.
Key Facts
• Eight kidnapped victims were rescued in the operation • The operation was carried out in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State • Troops launched the operation at about 3 a.m. after receiving intelligence • Three abductees escaped from the kidnappers' custody • The rescued victims are receiving care and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families • The operation comes amid renewed security efforts across Plateau State • At least 20 people were killed after armed attackers invaded Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area on 22 June
The military operation has shown a renewed commitment by security agencies to ensure the safety of Plateau residents. But this is not a one-night wonder.
In the past few weeks, Plateau State has seen a surge in kidnappings and attacks by armed groups. The Plateau State Police Command has been working tirelessly to strengthen security and reassure residents.
And, as the security situation continues to unfold, residents are calling for sustained efforts to ensure their safety.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnapped victims in Pandam Forest, Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation was carried out early Wednesday.