Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed under Operation Enduring Peace have rescued seven travellers, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along a highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation, which occurred on Monday night, July 13, 2026, followed a distress call received at approximately 9:30 p.m. near Sopp village in Riyom LGA, prompting a swift response from troops under Sector 6 of the operation. Captain Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, confirmed the development in a statement, detailing how the military intervention forced the assailants to abandon their captives.
According to Captain Oteh, troops arrived at the scene to find a green Opel Vectra abandoned in the middle of the road with no occupants, which immediately triggered a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bush. The soldiers made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to flee under sustained military pressure and abandon their captives. Security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the troops discovered a blue Opel Vectra at the scene, with variations in vehicle colour reported across different accounts. The rescued victims were identified as ASP Babagida Ishaku, a police officer, and six others: Auwulu Haruna, Dung Jerry Dang, Anas Idris, Hussaini Mohammed, Idris Abdullahi, and Kangyang Sunday.
The victims reportedly told troops that they had boarded the vehicle in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos, the Plateau State capital, when they were intercepted and abducted by the gunmen. All seven victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families, according to military sources. Captain Oteh added that efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, with troops continuing to comb the surrounding areas in pursuit of the kidnappers. The military spokesperson further emphasised that Operation Enduring Peace would continue to aggressively discharge its duties in ensuring peace and security, safeguarding the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens within its joint operations area.
The successful rescue operation comes amid persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where kidnapping for ransom and banditry have become recurring threats along major highways. Riyom Local Government Area, in particular, has witnessed a series of abductions and violent attacks in recent months, prompting heightened military presence and surveillance. In a separate but related development, troops of Operation Enduring Peace also rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, who were abducted in a different incident, underscoring the military's intensified efforts to combat criminal activities across the North-Central region. The rescue of the police officer and six travellers has been hailed as a significant victory for security forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and rapid response mechanisms in tackling kidnapping incidents.
The Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but military authorities have assured residents of continued commitment to protecting lives and property. The rescued victims have been debriefed by security operatives, and investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects. The operation serves as a reminder of the persistent security threats facing travellers in the region and the critical role of military intervention in disrupting criminal networks. As troops maintain pressure on the fleeing kidnappers, residents and commuters have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. The successful rescue of all seven victims without harm highlights the professionalism and bravery of the troops involved, reinforcing public confidence in the military's capacity to respond to security emergencies.
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