Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnap victims during a clearance operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on June 24, when personnel launched a raid on suspected bandits’ hideouts inside the forest.
The sources said the bandits opened sporadic fire in an attempt to create confusion and facilitate their escape. However, the victims took advantage of the ensuing situation to flee from captivity.
Three victims were rescued during the initial phase of the operation.
The sources added that while security personnel continued combing the forest later in the day, five additional victims emerged from the bush and were safely recovered, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.
According to the sources, the successful operation has been widely welcomed by residents of surrounding communities, who expressed appreciation for the efforts of the security personnel.
No security personnel were killed or injured during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle their hideouts in the forest.
By Zagazola Makama
