The troops demonstrated swift and decisive actions in responding to distress calls and intelligence reports.
KaNo —
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued no fewer than 10 victims in coordinated operations across Plateau and Kaduna states, reinforcing ongoing efforts by security forces to curb rising criminal activities in parts of northern Nigeria.
The Joint Military Task Force disclosed the development on Sunday, detailing a series of rapid-response missions conducted within a 48-hour window that led to the rescue of abducted passengers, as well as a pastor and his wife, from suspected kidnappers.
The spokesperson for the task force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, in a statement said the operations were part of intensified efforts to secure highways and vulnerable communities within the Joint Operations Area.
According to him, the troops demonstrated “swift and decisive action” in responding to distress calls and intelligence reports, effectively disrupting criminal activities and initiating manhunts for fleeing suspects.
“In a series of decisive operations conducted over the last 48 hours, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully foiled multiple kidnapping attempts, rescued several victims, and launched aggressive manhunts for fleeing criminal elements across Plateau and Kaduna states,” the statement read.
One of the operations took place in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where troops of Sector 6 responded to reports of suspected kidnappers blocking the highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis in the early hours of June 5, 2026.
The incident, which occurred around 12:30 a.m., involved the interception of a commercial vehicle travelling from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Upon arriving at the scene, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road.
A subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led to the rescue of six passengers who had been abducted during the attack.
The victims recounted how the gunmen ambushed their vehicle, forcing them into nearby bushes before the arrival of the troops disrupted the operation.
While the rescued passengers were reported to be in stable condition, the driver of the vehicle remains unaccounted for. Security forces have since intensified efforts to locate and rescue him, combing nearby forests and suspected hideouts.
In a separate operation in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Sector 5 foiled another kidnapping attempt in Faggem Village following a distress call from residents.
According to the military, the prompt response by troops forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon their targets and flee into a nearby forest.
The operation led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been attacked during the attempted abduction. Both victims sustained injuries but were immediately evacuated to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment.
Medical personnel at the facility confirmed that the couple was receiving care and responding to treatment, while security forces launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, troops deployed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State recorded another breakthrough when they responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking a highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya in the early hours of June 6.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already abducted some passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle.
However, the soldiers recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene, indicating a possible exchange of gunfire or warning shots during the attack.
The troops immediately pursued the suspects into the adjoining forest, leading to the rescue of two injured passengers. The victims were subsequently evacuated to a hospital in the Fadan Karshi District, where they are receiving medical attention.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue other kidnapped victims believed to still be in captivity, with security forces intensifying search operations across the area.
The military reiterated that it would not relent in its efforts to rid the region of criminal elements, emphasizing that ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to restore safety and confidence among residents.
Despite these successes, concerns over the country’s security situation persist, with analysts warning that more comprehensive strategies are needed to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
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Security analyst Dickson Osajie has criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis, describing its approach as lacking clear direction and long-term planning.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Osajie argued that while tactical successes are commendable, they do not address the broader systemic issues fueling insecurity.
“I think the government is confused. That’s just the truth. They don’t have a plan in place to eliminate this threat. This is an existential and societal threat because it poses a lot of danger to the country,” he said.
Osajie further cautioned against the continued use of amnesty programmes for criminal groups, arguing that such measures could undermine deterrence and embolden offenders.
According to him, granting amnesty sends a dangerous signal that serious crimes can be committed without facing significant consequences.
“This is what you get when you grant amnesty to criminals. You send a signal that Nigeria is a place where crime can be committed and you are forgiven by the state. That weakens the system,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for stronger punitive measures to deter criminal activities, adding that effective punishment is essential to restoring public confidence in the justice system.
Osajie’s comments come amid persistent attacks by criminal groups across various parts of the country, including kidnappings, banditry, and assaults on communities.
The situation has heightened fears among residents and raised questions about the adequacy of current security measures.
Recent incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, have further intensified calls for urgent action.
In response, President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to enhance surveillance and rescue kidnapped victims.
Security experts believe that while such initiatives may provide some relief, sustained and coordinated strategies involving intelligence gathering, community engagement, and improved law enforcement capacity are critical to achieving lasting peace.
As Operation Enduring Peace continues its missions, residents in affected areas remain hopeful that the renewed military efforts will lead to a significant reduction in criminal activities and restore a sense of safety to their communities.
