Eight kidnapped victims were recovered from Pandam Forest in Plateau State’s Qua’an Pan Local Government Area by Sector 9 troops as part of Operation Enduring Peace.
Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer for Operation ENDURING PEACE, acknowledged the rescue operation in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the operation began at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, after credible intelligence indicated the presence of kidnappers in the forest.
According to Oteh, forces stationed in Namu Town Plateau state, launched a premeditated offensive operation, resulting in the successful rescue of the casualties.
He stated that the operation demonstrated the forces’ dedication to restoring peace and security and protecting lives throughout the Joint Operations Area.
He explained that throughout the mission, the forces engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.
“During the operation, troops engaged in a firefight with the suspected kidnappers, who fired sporadically in an attempt to withdraw. Utilising the ensuing chaos, three of the kidnapped victims managed to escape earlier from the kidnappers’ custody,” he stated.
Oteh also mentioned that a follow-up search of the forest led to the rescue of five more victims.
“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.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe condition, and efforts are ongoing to unite them with their respective families,” he said.
The military noted that the operation had been commended by members of the affected communities, who pledged continued cooperation with security agencies.
“Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers to apprehend or neutralise them. 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.”
The statement added, “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.
