By Joy Onu
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a raid on Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.
Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, said in a statement issued to journalists on Friday that the raid, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, followed credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were operating in the area.
Security personnel from Sector 9, deployed in Namu, launched the offensive at about 3 a.m. but came under sporadic gunfire from the suspects as they advanced. The soldiers returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee.
According to the statement, three abductees escaped during the exchange of gunfire, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of five others, bringing the total number of victims freed to eight.
The rescued victims were reported to be in stable condition and are expected to be reunited with their families after the necessary procedures.
The Joint Task Force said personnel are pursuing the fleeing suspects with the aim of apprehending or neutralising them and preventing further criminal activities in the area.
The successful mission also received praise from members of the local communities, who pledged to continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support efforts to tackle criminality.
Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace across its area of responsibility, while urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
