Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a coordinated early-morning operation in Pandam Forest, located in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue followed actionable intelligence indicating the presence of an armed kidnapping syndicate operating within the forest corridor, a region increasingly linked to abduction activities in the southern axis of the state.
Acting on the intelligence, troops advanced from Namu at about 3:00 a.m. on June 24 and engaged the suspects in a firefight. Military authorities said the kidnappers opened sporadic fire while attempting to retreat under pressure.
Amid the exchange, three victims managed to escape from captivity, while troops proceeded with a systematic search of the forest. The follow-up operation led to the rescue of five additional victims, bringing the total number freed to eight.
All rescued individuals were found in stable condition and have since been evacuated to a secure location, where arrangements are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained clearance efforts targeting criminal hideouts and disrupting kidnapping networks across Plateau State, particularly in forested and rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, with military authorities reaffirming their commitment to dismantling criminal groups and restoring stability in the Joint Operations Area.
Local residents have commended the swift intervention, noting that timely intelligence-sharing played a critical role in the success of the operation. Community leaders also pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to curb kidnapping and related crimes in the region.
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