Nigerian troops have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in separate operations conducted within the Joint Operations Area of Plateau State. The operations, carried out by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace of 3 Division Jos, were based on credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating within the Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area. The operations resulted in the recovery of weapons and the arrest of suspects.
According to Cpt. Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Special Task Force, the operation was enhanced by intelligence obtained from two kidnapped victims who had been abducted from Gwafan Community on 18 September 2026. During preliminary investigation, the victims positively identified 3 of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction. The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and exploitation to unravel the activities of the syndicate.
In a related development, 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 arrest of a suspect. Troops are currently dominating the general area to possibly apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate. The operations were conducted on Sunday, 21 September 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers in the area.
Similarly, 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 apprehended a suspected criminal around the Water Board Area who attempted to conceal a weapon upon sighting troops. A thorough search of the suspect led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, 9 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one mobile phone.
The Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended 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. The Commander also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State and other relevant stakeholders.
Major General Dangana further reassured the people of Plateau State of the unwavering commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protect lives and property, while strengthening existing peace and security efforts across the state. He emphasized that the timely provision of credible information remains critical to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements and efforts to consolidate the prevailing peace across the State.
The operations are part of the efforts of Operation Enduring Peace to consolidate the prevailing peace across Plateau State. The troops are committed to protecting lives and property, and the people of Plateau State are urged to continue providing credible information to support the operations. The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue 2 kidnapped victims, arrest 11 suspects in Plateau State operations
- Operations were conducted based on credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers in the area
- Troops recover weapons, including locally fabricated rifles and ammunition, during the operations
