Troops of Sector 9 under ‘Operation ENDURING PEACE‘ have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a targeted operation at Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Key Highlight:
- Troops rescue eight kidnapped victims – Soldiers of Sector 9 under Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued eight abducted persons during a targeted operation in the Pandam Forest.
- Operation followed credible intelligence – The military offensive was launched after security agencies received intelligence reports about suspected kidnappers operating within the forest.
- Troops engaged kidnappers in a gun battle – The suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire while attempting to flee, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire with the troops.
- Victims rescued during forest sweep – Three victims escaped during the gun battle, while troops later rescued five more after conducting an extensive search of the forest.
- Security forces continue pursuit of suspects – Troops remain on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers as operations continue to restore peace and improve security in Plateau State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers operating within the forest.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, ‘Operation ENDURING PEACE’, Captain Chinonso Oteh, troops deployed in Namu Town, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, launched the offensive at about 3:00 a.m. as part of efforts to restore peace and protect residents within the joint operations area.
He disclosed that furing the operation, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle after the criminals opened fire in an attempt to escape.
Amid the exchange, the statement said three of the abducted victims were able to break free from their captors.
“The troops subsequently intensified their search and conducted a thorough combing of the forest, leading to the rescue of five additional victims still held by the kidnappers. This brought the total number of rescued victims to eight,” the army spokesperson said.
The rescued individuals were confirmed to be in stable condition and are currently receiving necessary support as authorities work towards reuniting them with their families.
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The successful operation has received commendation from residents of nearby communities, who expressed their willingness to continue providing useful information to security agencies to aid efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals.
The Joint Task Force stated that troops remain in pursuit of the suspected kidnappers, with ongoing operations aimed at arresting or neutralising criminal elements within the area.
‘Operation ENDURING PEACE’ also appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing credible information that could help in restoring lasting peace and security across Plateau State and the wider operational area.
