Plateau Troops Free Two Kidnapping Victims and Detain Alleged Gunrunner

Troops engaged in Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have freed two individuals who were kidnapped in Plateau State and captured a suspect believed to be involved in gunrunning.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, issued the statement on 3 March 2026.

Oteh revealed that the victims had been taken at gunpoint on 22 February from Mansur village, located in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

"In line with our ongoing tactical measures against criminals threatening innocent citizens within our Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops from Operation ENDURING PEACE deployed at Wase successfully rescued the kidnapped individuals near Kukawa in the Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State," the statement detailed.

While conducting an aggressive patrol in the area, the troops encountered the suspects during their attempt to transport the victims to their hideouts, causing the criminals to abandon the hostages and flee into surrounding bushes.

An initial investigation confirmed that the victims were indeed taken on 22 February 2026, from Mansur village in Alkaleri.

"The victims have undergone debriefing, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, troops are continuing their search in the bushes to apprehend the fleeing criminals and possibly rescue others who may still be held captive."

In a related incident, troops from OPEP stationed at Sanga, in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, successfully intercepted an alleged gunrunner during a routine stop and search operation in Kurmin Goro village.

The 36-year-old suspect, identified as Vincent Ibrahim, was caught transporting five homemade rifles to an undisclosed location around Kafanchan.

The suspect is presently in custody, undergoing interrogation.

Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, praised the troops for their vigilance and decisive actions, assuring the public of the military's steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property.