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 Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the troops raided suspected criminal hideouts at Shere, Gwafan, and Maza Hills.
The operations were conducted based on credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating within the Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area. The intelligence led to the arrest of 11 suspects, and two kidnapped victims who had been abducted from Gwafan community on September 18, 2026, provided crucial information that aided in the operations. During preliminary investigation, the victims identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
In addition to the arrests, the troops recovered weapons during the operations. One locally fabricated rifle was recovered during a cordon-and-search operation in Bassa Local Government Area, while a suspected criminal was arrested with a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and a mobile phone in Mangu Local Government Area. The troops are currently dominating the general area to possibly apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
The operations were carried out by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed at Lamingo, and Sector 3, deployed in Bassa Local Government Area. The troops' professionalism, dexterity, and timely response during the operations were commended by Major General Maxwell Dangana, Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE. He charged the troops to sustain their aggressive posture and maintain the momentum of the operation.
Major General Dangana appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State and other relevant stakeholders. 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 Commander reassured the people of Plateau State of the unwavering commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protect lives and property.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and exploitation to unravel the activities of the syndicate and identify other members. The operations are part of the efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area. The troops' confidence-building patrols and cordon-and-search operations are aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.
The successful operations demonstrate the commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protecting lives and property in Plateau State. The troops' efforts have led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the arrest of 11 suspected kidnappers. The operations will continue to target criminal elements and consolidate the prevailing peace across the state.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue two kidnapped victims and arrest 11 suspects in Plateau State operations
- Operations were conducted based on credible intelligence on kidnappers' activities
- Troops recover weapons and apprehend suspects in separate operations across the state
