…Launch manhunt for fleeing suspects, recovers ammunition after 48-hour operation
By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued no fewer than eight victims across Plateau and Kaduna States in a series of decisive operations conducted over the past 48 hours, the military confirmed on Sunday.
The swift interventions, which spanned three local government areas, underscore an ongoing commitment to securing highways and communities within the Joint Operations Area, according to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the task force.
In Plateau State, the first operation unfolded around 12:30 a.m. on June 5, 2026. Troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers blocking the highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis.
Upon arrival, the tactical team discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned mid-road. A thorough search of surrounding bushes led to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The victims told troops they had boarded the commercial vehicle from Lafiya, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos. While all six are safe, the driver remains missing. Troops continue an active search to locate him.
Also in Plateau, troops of Sector 5 operating in Bokkos Local Government Area recorded a second victory on June 5 after responding to an urgent distress call from Faggem Village. Troops foiled an ongoing abduction attempt as operational pressure forced criminals to abandon their targets and flee into nearby forest.
The pursuit led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife, both of whom sustained injuries during the initial assault. They were evacuated to Bokkos medical clinic for treatment. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7 deployed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area responded in the early hours of June 6, 2026, to reports of terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.
At the scene, troops discovered that terrorists had kidnapped several passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle. Troops recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately pushed into adjacent forest on a rescue mission. That pursuit yielded the rescue of two injured passengers. Efforts are ongoing to locate other kidnapped occupants of the vehicle. The rescued victims were evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical attention.
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