The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted civilians during a special operation in Plateau State.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, took place around Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages in the Kanam Local Government Area of the state.
Troops launch coordinated rescue mission
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE, disclosed the development in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the troops launched the rescue operation after receiving credible intelligence regarding the abduction of two civilians, identified as Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman, along the Wanka-Dengi road in Kanam LGA.
He explained that the Army acted swiftly upon the information, mobilizing a rescue team to track down the kidnappers. “Following the kidnap of the victims, our troops detailed for the operations obtained credible intelligence and immediately cordoned off the criminals’ general area,” Zhakom stated.
Gun battle with kidnappers
The Army spokesperson said the troops made contact with the kidnappers at the outskirts of Tunga village, resulting in a fierce gun duel. During the exchange of fire, two of the kidnappers were neutralised, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
“The kidnappers engaged the troops in a firefight leading to the neutralisation of two of them, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” he said.
After the confrontation, the troops conducted a thorough search of the kidnappers’ hideout, recovering several weapons and ammunition. Among the items found were one pump-action gun, one locally fabricated rifle, eight cartridges, and various other materials linked to the criminal activities.
Victims reunited with their families
Major Zhakom confirmed that the two rescued victims were safely reunited with their families after undergoing proper medical and security checks. “The rescued victims have been handed over to their families after proper security checks,” he said.
He added that all recovered weapons and items are currently in military custody for further investigation and follow-up action.
The operation was described as a success, reflecting the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining security in Plateau State and other parts of the country facing similar threats.
Operation ENDURING PEACE intensifies crackdown
The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, which is responsible for maintaining internal security in the North-Central region, has been actively combating insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping across Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and surrounding states.
According to Major Zhakom, the troops remain resolute in their mission to dismantle criminal networks and ensure peace and stability across affected communities.
“The Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE will continue to frustrate the activities of non-state actors and deny them freedom of action in order to protect the lives and property of law-abiding residents within the Joint Operations Area,” he stated.
Ongoing efforts to secure Plateau communities
Residents of Plateau State have in recent months raised concerns over the increasing incidents of kidnappings and armed attacks in rural communities, particularly in Kanam and Wase local government areas. Security experts have linked the trend to the movement of armed groups from neighboring states into forested areas around the Plateau axis.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to address the situation through intelligence-led operations, community partnerships, and coordinated patrols across vulnerable areas.
The latest operation is part of a series of military interventions aimed at dismantling kidnapping rings, restoring peace, and reassuring residents of the Army’s presence and readiness to respond to any threat.
Army reaffirms commitment to public safety
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens while calling on members of the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to security agencies.
Major Zhakom urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with the military to ensure lasting peace. “We appreciate the continued support of the public and encourage them to report any suspicious movements or criminal activity in their areas,” he said.
The success of Thursday’s operation, according to the Army, sends a strong message to criminal elements operating within Plateau State and beyond — that the Nigerian military remains fully committed to eliminating threats and ensuring peace in every part of the country.
