Troops rescue two kidnap victims, arrest 11 in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate during separate operations in Plateau State.

The operations also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms and ammunition, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Oteh.

Oteh said troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, acting on intelligence about kidnappers operating around Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area, raided suspected hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in the early hours of Saturday.

Eleven suspects were arrested during the operation.

The troops also rescued two victims who were allegedly abducted from Gwafan Community on Friday.

The statement said information obtained from the victims during preliminary investigations helped the troops identify three of the arrested suspects as alleged members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.

In a separate operation around 6pm on Saturday, troops of Sector 3 deployed in Bassa Local Government Area conducted a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence.

The operation led to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of a locally fabricated rifle.

“Troops are currently dominating the general area to possibly apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 8 conducting a confidence-building patrol in Mangu Local Government Area arrested another suspected criminal around the Water Board area.

According to the statement, the suspect attempted to conceal a weapon after sighting the troops.

A search of the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.

The suspects are currently undergoing investigation to determine their alleged involvement in criminal activities and uncover other members of the syndicates.

The Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj-Gen Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism, dexterity and prompt response during the operations.

Dangana directed the troops to sustain their operations and maintain pressure on criminal elements operating within the joint operations area.

He also appreciated residents of Plateau State and other stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support to the security forces.