Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a clearance operation at Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operation was conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, following credible intelligence on the presence of kidnappers in the forest.
The troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a firefight after the criminals opened fire while attempting to escape. Amid the exchange, three abducted victims managed to flee from their captors.
Captain Oteh said troops subsequently combed the forest, leading to the rescue of five additional victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.
The rescued victims are reported to be in safe condition, while arrangements are underway to reunite them with their families.
The operation has drawn commendation from members of the local community, who pledged continued cooperation with security agencies by providing timely intelligence to help track down criminal elements.
Operation ENDURING PEACE said troops are currently pursuing the fleeing kidnappers with the aim of apprehending or neutralising them. The Joint Task Force also urged residents to sustain their support by providing credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the area.
