On September 21, 2026, troops of Operation Enduring Peace carried out successful operations in Plateau State, rescuing two kidnapped victims and arresting 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate. According to Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the operations were conducted in the early hours of Saturday, following credible intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating within Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
The operations were carried out by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo. The troops raided suspected criminal hideouts at Shere, Gwafan, and Maza Hills, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects. Intelligence obtained from two victims who were abducted from Gwafan community on September 18 enhanced the operation. The victims positively identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
In a related development, troops of Sector 3 deployed in Bassa LGA conducted a cordon-and-search operation on Saturday at about 6:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence. The operation led to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of a suspect. This operation is part of the ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect lives and property in Plateau State.
Troops of Sector 8 deployed in Mangu LGA also conducted a confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis. During the patrol, they 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, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one mobile phone.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to unravel the activities of the syndicate and facilitate follow-on operations to apprehend fleeing members. The Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended troops for their professionalism and timely response. He charged them to sustain the aggressive posture to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Major General Maxwell Dangana appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State, emphasizing that timely provision of credible information remains critical to the success of ongoing operations. He reassured residents of the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protect lives and property and strengthen peace and security efforts across the state.
The operations in Plateau State demonstrate the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities. The troops' successful operations have led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the arrest of 11 suspected kidnappers. The operation also led to the recovery of locally fabricated rifles and ammunition, indicating the troops' efforts to disarm and dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the state.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue two kidnapped victims and arrest 11 suspects in Plateau State operations
- Operations were conducted in Jos North Local Government Area, Bassa LGA, and Mangu LGA
- Troops recover locally fabricated rifles and ammunition during operations
