Troops Thwart Abductions, Rescue Pastor, Wife, 8 Others In Plateau, Kaduna

The Nigerian military has foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims, including a pastor and his wife, during coordinated operations in Plateau and Kaduna States.

The Joint Military Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, confirmed the operations in a statement issued on Sunday in Jos, saying they were carried out within the last 48 hours as troops intensified efforts to clear highways and communities of criminal elements.

According to the statement signed by the task force spokesman, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operations demonstrated the military’s continued resolve to safeguard lives and property across its area of responsibility.

“In a series of decisive operations conducted over the last 48 hours, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have successfully foiled multiple kidnapping attempts, rescued several victims, and launched aggressive manhunts for fleeing criminal elements across Plateau and Kaduna States,” the statement said.

The military said that in Plateau State, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway at about 12:30 a.m. on June 5.

On arrival, troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned on the road and immediately launched a search operation in nearby bushes.

The operation led to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers, while the driver of the vehicle remained missing.

“The rescued individuals revealed that they had boarded the commercial vehicle from Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were heading to Jos,” the statement added.

In another operation in Bokkos Local Government Area, troops of Sector 5 foiled an ongoing abduction after responding to a distress call from Faggem Village on June 5.

The swift response forced the attackers to abandon their victims, leading to the rescue of a pastor and his wife.

The couple reportedly sustained injuries during the attack and were taken to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment, while troops continued a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7 in Ungwan Gora, Sanga Local Government Area, also responded to reports of terrorists blocking the Rafi Tagwai–Angwan Dariya highway.

On arrival, troops found that several passengers had already been abducted but recovered eight empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition at the scene before pursuing the attackers into the forest.

The military said two injured victims were rescued during the operation and evacuated to hospital, while efforts continued to rescue other abducted passengers.

Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to sustained offensive operations against criminal groups, stating that it would not relent until highways and communities are safe.