Troops of the Special Military Taskforce in Plateau State have rescued no fewer than seven kidnapped victims in the Riyom Local Government Area of the state.
Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesman for the task force, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement read, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued seven kidnapped victims in the Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
“The rescue mission follows offensive operations conducted by troops of OPSH on the ongoing Operation Lafiyan Jama’a at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA.
“The operations carried out based on intelligence reports revealed that kidnappers were keeping some victims abducted along the Jos–Ganawuri road on 7 March 2025 in the area. During the operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers, and superior firepower forced them to flee into the high grounds.
“Furthermore, troops exploited the general area and rescued seven victims identified as Mr. Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani, all from Bauchi State. Troops also recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the criminals.
“The rescued victims were debriefed for useful intelligence to aid troops in conducting follow-up operations to intercept and neutralise members of the kidnapping syndicate, after which the victims were reunited with their families.
“Troops of Operation Safe Haven will continue the manhunt for criminal elements harbouring within the Joint Operations Area for immediate arrest and possible prosecution.”
