Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued two kidnapped victims in separate operations in Bassa and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace across the state.
The Joint Task Force disclosed the development on Wednesday, saying the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorist and other criminal elements freedom of action across Plateau. The task force said the operations had recorded significant successes with support from residents and community leaders.
In Bassa Local Government Area, troops of Sector 3 launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving credible information about the abduction of a man identified as Ndubuisi Onuigbo.
According to the task force, the operation commenced at about 9am on Tuesday, August 25, and resulted in the successful rescue of Onuigbo from his abductors.
A second rescue took place in Kanam Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26.
Troops of Sector 2, deployed around Kukawa village, encountered suspected terrorist elements during a fighting patrol. The troops pursued the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon a kidnapped victim identified as Mallam Sambo Abdullahi.
Abdullahi was subsequently rescued by the troops and taken to safety.
The Joint Task Force said both victims were debriefed after their rescue and subsequently reunited with their families.
The operation’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the successful rescues demonstrated the importance of sustained military operations and credible intelligence from communities.
The development comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where kidnapping, armed attacks and other criminal activities have continued to threaten communities and travellers.
Operation Enduring Peace was established to conduct counter-terrorism and internal security operations across Plateau State. Its troops have been conducting patrols and other offensive operations in areas considered vulnerable to attacks by criminal and terrorist elements.
The latest operations also demonstrate the different approaches being employed by the task force. In Bassa, troops responded to specific intelligence concerning an abduction and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation. In Kanam, the rescue occurred after troops encountered suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol and pursued them until they abandoned their captive.
The Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for what he described as professionalism and decisive action in disrupting criminal activities across the state’s Joint Operations Area.
Dangana also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant while continuing to provide security agencies with credible and timely information.
Security officials have repeatedly stressed that cooperation between communities and security forces is essential to combating kidnapping, particularly in rural areas where criminals can exploit difficult terrain and limited security presence.
The rescue of the two victims is therefore being viewed as an operational success, although the wider security situation remains a concern.
The task force’s continued presence and patrols are aimed at preventing criminal groups from establishing permanent bases and restricting their ability to abduct residents or attack communities.
For the families of Onuigbo and Abdullahi, however, the military operation has brought immediate relief, with both victims safely returned to their loved ones.
As Operation Enduring Peace continues its operations across Plateau, the security authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities.
The latest rescues underscore both the persistent threat posed by kidnapping in parts of the state and the importance of intelligence-led military operations in protecting vulnerable communities.
For Plateau residents, the expectation is that the recent successes will be sustained and expanded into a broader campaign capable of preventing further abductions and restoring confidence in the security of lives, communities and road networks across the state.
