Troops Rescue Three, Launch Search for Two Other Kidnap Victims in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued three kidnap victims and launched a search operation to rescue two others abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Zaria Road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The development was disclosed in a security report by counter-insurgency and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who covers the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the incident occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on June 24, 2026, around the Mista Ali axis after security personnel received a distress call reporting suspected kidnapping activities along the busy highway.

Security operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where they encountered the suspected kidnappers. The swift response reportedly forced the armed criminals to abandon part of their operation and flee into nearby bushes.

“The security personnel responded swiftly to the distress call, forcing the armed kidnappers to flee the scene,” Makama stated in the report.

The operation led to the rescue of three victims identified as Osuji Franklin, Danjuma Moses and Irimiya Shehu. The victims were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack before they were rescued by the troops.

They were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Mista Ali, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

However, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected kidnappers had already escaped with two other victims before security personnel arrived at the scene.

The remaining abductees were identified as Dayo and Henry Owen.

Security forces have since intensified search and rescue operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and securing the safe release of the two victims still in captivity.

During a search of the area, security personnel recovered an abandoned Opel Zafira vehicle with registration number RYM 25 A2, believed to have been linked to the incident.

The vehicle has been taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations.

Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the kidnappers or confirm whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attack.

The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges along major highways in Plateau State despite ongoing military operations to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Security agencies have urged motorists and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to relevant authorities to support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.