Troops Kill Five Kidnappers In Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have killed five suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a raid in Plateau State. The operation was carried out in Riyom Local Government Area.
The rescued victim, identified as Hauwa Suleiman, was found unharmed and later reunited with her family. The military said the raid followed credible intelligence from earlier arrests.
The operation took place at a criminal hideout in Angwan Boka, Sopp District of Riyom LGA. Security forces stormed the area after receiving information from two suspects arrested on February 16, who were confirmed members of a kidnapping syndicate.
Spokesman of the Joint Military Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the development in Jos on Wednesday.
According to him, troops acted swiftly on the intelligence and successfully neutralised five members of the gang.
He said the abducted woman was rescued during the operation and no harm was done to her.
Oteh urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information, stressing that credible intelligence remains key to tackling criminal activities.
He assured that the troops would maintain an aggressive approach in dealing with criminals across Plateau State.
The spokesman added that the mandate of the commander is to restore peace and ensure residents can return to their farms and businesses without fear.
Residents of the Riyom community also confirmed the raid. A local resident, John Mairiga, said items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, N17,600 in cash and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
He confirmed that the rescued woman has since been reunited with her family.
In a separate operation earlier in the month, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 16 insurgents and rescued 11 hostages in the North-East.
The military said the terrorists were killed on February 9 during a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.
The operation followed an earlier attack on a military base on February 5, as troops, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, moved to repel the insurgents and restore order in the area.