Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have blocked multiple kidnap attempts, including the abduction of a pastor and his wife, while rescuing 10 victims during separate operations in Plateau and Kaduna states.
The spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jos on Sunday.
Mr Oteh said the operations were carried out within the last 48 hours as troops intensified efforts to tackle insecurity and criminal activities across affected communities and highways.
Troops rescue six kidnapped passengers in Plateau
According to the statement, troops of Sector 6 deployed in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, responded to reports of suspected kidnappers blocking the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin road around 12:30 a.m. on 5 June 2026.
On arrival, soldiers reportedly found an ash-coloured Honda vehicle with registration number APP-93CF abandoned in the middle of the road.
Troops immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in nearby bushes, leading to the rescue of six kidnapped passengers.
The victims reportedly told security operatives that they boarded the commercial vehicle from Lafia in Nasarawa State and were travelling to Jos before the attack occurred.
The military, however, said the driver of the vehicle remains missing, while efforts to locate him are ongoing.
Pastor, Wife rescued in Bokkos
In another operation, troops of Sector 5 in Bokkos Local Government Area responded to a distress call from Faggem Village on 5 June, where suspected kidnappers attempted to abduct residents.
The troops reportedly foiled the attack, forcing the gunmen to flee into nearby forests.
During the operation, a pastor and his wife were rescued from the kidnappers.
According to the military, the couple sustained injuries during the assault and were immediately evacuated to Bokkos Medical Clinic for treatment.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Two more victims rescued in Kaduna
The statement further disclosed that troops of Sector 7 stationed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State also responded to reports of suspected terrorists blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya on Saturday, 6 June 2026.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle had been kidnapped.
Security operatives recovered eight empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene before pursuing the attackers into nearby forests.
The operation led to the rescue of two injured passengers, who were later taken to a hospital in Fadan Karshi District for medical treatment.
The military added that efforts are ongoing to rescue other kidnapped passengers.
Military reaffirms commitment to security
Operation Enduring Peace reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against criminal groups operating along highways and within communities across Plateau and Kaduna states.
The military said the latest operations demonstrate its determination to safeguard residents, commuters and vulnerable communities from kidnappers and armed gangs.
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