Troops Rescue 16 Kidnapped Passengers in Plateau State
Troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully rescued 16 passengers who were abducted along the Jos–Mangu Road in Plateau State.
According to a statement released by OPSH Media Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, the rescue mission was launched after troops on Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A discovered an abandoned vehicle at Mararraban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area—raising suspicion of a possible kidnapping incident.
Upon locating the vehicle, the troops began combing the surrounding bushes in search of the missing occupants. During the search, they encountered armed kidnappers who opened fire. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their captives.
All 16 kidnapped victims, including six children, were rescued during the operation. Some of the victims had sustained minor injuries, and troops provided them with first aid on the spot.
The statement further noted that the rescued passengers were safely escorted to continue their journey to Jos metropolis.
Meanwhile, OPSH confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the fleeing kidnappers, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safety of citizens, OPSH stated that troops remain fully motivated and focused on denying criminals any freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
