Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have successfully foiled several kidnapping attempts and rescued multiple victims during coordinated operations carried out across Plateau and Kaduna states within the last 48 hours.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers who had blocked the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin highway in the early hours of June 5.

Upon arrival, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned on the road. A search-and-rescue operation launched in the surrounding area led to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.

The victims reportedly boarded the commercial vehicle in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos before they were abducted. Military authorities said the driver of the vehicle remains missing, while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue him.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5 in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State foiled an attempted abduction in Faggem Village following a distress call.

The swift intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into a nearby forest. Troops subsequently rescued a pastor and his wife who had been seized by the criminals.

The couple, who sustained injuries during the attack, were evacuated to the Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment. Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7 deployed in Ungwan Gora, Sanga Local Government Area, responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya on June 6.

On reaching the scene, troops discovered that some passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been kidnapped. Security operatives recovered eight empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition and immediately commenced a rescue operation in the surrounding forest.

The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were taken to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment. Efforts are ongoing to rescue other abducted passengers.

Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents and road users across its area of responsibility.

The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.