Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim During Offensive Operation  Along Plateau-Kaduna Border

 By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a kidnapped victim during a clearance operation in the rugged hills bordering Plateau and Kaduna States.

Security sources disclosed that the rescue followed a suspected kidnap incident and the discovery of an abandoned vehicle loaded with pigs along the Manchok Road corridor within the Bum-Tongorong Hills area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the sources, troops of Sector 6 launched an offensive operation between June 18 and June 19 in the high grounds and forested areas of the Bum-Tongorong axis, a location known for criminal activities along the Plateau-Kaduna border.

The operation was aimed at tracking suspected kidnappers believed to have abducted a traveller in the area.

Military authorities said sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captive and flee into the surrounding bushes.

The rescued victim was identified as Mr Irimiya Alamba Rahol, a resident of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victim was reportedly found with injuries and was immediately evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Centre in Kamaru, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State for medical treatment.

“The offensive operation yielded positive results as troops successfully rescued the kidnapped victim after the criminals abandoned him due to the intense pressure mounted by security forces,” a military source said.

The source added that the victim’s vehicle was also recovered during the operation and arrangements were made to reunite him with his family.

Security personnel have since contacted the victim’s relatives and informed them of his rescue and current medical condition.

Military authorities said follow-up operations were ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to dismantle criminal hideouts and deny kidnappers freedom of movement across flashpoints in Plateau State and adjoining areas of Kaduna State.

Residents of communities along the border areas have repeatedly raised concerns over incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks, prompting increased military presence and intelligence-driven operations.

Security agencies have assured the public of their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents across the Joint Operations Area.

They also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could assist security forces in tracking criminal gangs and preventing future attacks.