Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have conducted successful operations in Plateau State, rescuing two kidnapped victims and arresting 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate. The operations, which took place on September 19, 2026, were carried out in the Joint Operations Area of Plateau State. According to Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the operations were based on credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating within the Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
The first operation was conducted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo. They raided suspected criminal hideouts at Shere, Gwafan, and Maza Hills, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspects. The operation was further enhanced by intelligence obtained from two kidnapped victims who had been abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18, 2026. During preliminary investigation, the victims identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
In another operation, troops of Sector 3, deployed in Bassa Local Government Area, conducted a cordon-and-search operation, which led to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of a suspect. The operation was based on credible intelligence, and troops are currently dominating the general area to possibly apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
Additionally, troops of Sector 8, deployed in Mangu Local Government Area, conducted a confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis. During the patrol, troops arrested a suspected criminal around the Water Board Area who attempted to conceal a weapon upon sighting the troops. A thorough search of the suspect led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one mobile phone.
The suspects are undergoing investigation to unravel the syndicate's activities. The Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for their professionalism, dexterity, and timely response during the operations. He charged them to sustain the aggressive posture and maintain the momentum of the operation to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Dangana also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State and other relevant stakeholders. The operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigerian military to enhancing security in Plateau State. The troops' efforts have been commended by local residents, who have expressed relief at the reduced kidnapping activities in the area.
The Nigerian military has been working to address the issue of kidnapping in Plateau State, with Operation Enduring Peace being one of the key initiatives. The operation aims to bring peace and stability to the region, and the recent successes are seen as a boost to the efforts. The military has assured residents of Plateau State of its commitment to protecting them and their property.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue 2 kidnapped victims, arrest 11 suspects in separate operations in Plateau State.
- The operations were based on credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating within the Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
- The suspects are undergoing investigation to unravel the syndicate's activities.
