Troops of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have freed two abducted residents of a Plateau community during an operation that forced their abductors to abandon the captives and flee.
The victims, identified as Victor Ibikuzhu and Tongriang Salihu, regained their freedom after security operatives swiftly responded to a distress call by community members and launched a pursuit of the abductors.
It was gathered that the abduction occurred on Monday night at Kwang village in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A security source familiar with the operation on Monday said that troops worked alongside personnel of the Keystone security outfit to track the suspects along routes believed to have been used to move the victims.
The operation later resulted in a gun battle between the security team and the fleeing criminals.
Faced with the troops’ superior firepower, the kidnappers, in fear and desperation, abandoned the victims and escaped into the surrounding bushes.
“The prompt response of the troops and their determination ensured the safe recovery of the victims without any injury,” the security source said.
Moreover, the security source disclosed that both victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families shortly after the operation.
Also, the source further revealed that troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12 of Operation Safe Haven expended 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the encounter with the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The security source said the operation reflects the military’s continued commitment to protecting communities and combating criminal activities across the region.
The Guild reports that this latest rescue comes amid sustained operations under Operation Enduring Peace, which is targeting kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity in Plateau State and neighbouring areas.