Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued six travellers abducted by bandits in Plateau State, while efforts are ongoing to locate a missing driver taken during the attack.
The rescued victims were identified as Ibrahim Usman, Ali Ibrahim, Sabiu Idris, Shehu Isah, Ibrahim Musa, Hamisu Abubakar, and Joshua Johanna.
The incident occurred along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyi road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday night.
It was gathered that the victims had departed from Lafia in Nasarawa State when they ran into the ambush during their journey.
A military source involved in the operation on Friday, said the rescue followed a swift response to intelligence reports on the abduction, which triggered an immediate search-and-rescue mission.
According to the source, troops moved into the area and began combing nearby bushes after locating the abandoned vehicle of the victims.
“The troops acted promptly after receiving the distress information, and their quick response ensured that the victims were rescued unharmed,” the source said.
The source added that efforts were ongoing to locate the missing driver, with troops maintaining pressure on suspected kidnappers operating in the area.
“Our personnel are continuing intensive search-and-rescue operations to ensure the driver is found and to deny criminal elements freedom of action along the route,” the source added.