By Our Correspondent
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have rescued two kidnapped victims in Plateau State and intercepted a suspected gun runner in Kaduna State during separate operations.
According to a statement issued by Capt. Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, media Information Officer, joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace,
said on March 3, 2026, troops deployed in Wase under the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, rescued the victims around Kukawa in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, who were on aggressive patrol within their Joint Operations Area, reportedly engaged the criminals while they were transporting the victims to a hideout. The suspects abandoned the victims and fled into nearby bushes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted at gunpoint on February 22, 2026, from Mansur village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The victims have since been debriefed, and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Troops have continued combing the surrounding bushes to apprehend the fleeing suspects and possibly rescue other abducted persons.
In a related development, troops deployed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State intercepted a suspected gun runner during a stop-and-search operation at Kurmin Goro village.
The 36-year-old suspect, identified as Vincent Ibrahim, was allegedly transporting five locally fabricated rifles to an undisclosed destination in Kafanchan when he was arrested. He is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their alertness and swift response.
He reassured residents of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
