Troops rescue seven kidnapped police officer, six passengers in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued seven kidnapped travellers following a swift response to a kidnapping incident along a highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on July 13, 2026 when troops deployed under Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace responded to credible reports of suspected kidnappers operating near Sopp village in Riyom LGA.

On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered a blue Opel Vectra abandoned in the middle of the road with no occupants inside, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes.

During the operation, the troops made contact with the kidnappers, who fled into the bush under sustained military pressure, abandoning their captives. The troops fired five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the rescue operation.

The rescued victims were identified as ASP Babagida Ishaku, Mr. Auwulu Haruna, Dung Jerry Dang, Anas Idris, Hussaini Mohammed, Idris Abdullahi, and Mrs. Kangyang Sunday.

According to the victims, they had boarded the vehicle in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos when they were abducted by the criminals.

The victims were successfully rescued without further harm, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued routine patrols across the Joint Operations Area to safeguard schools, churches, and other critical national infrastructure as part of sustained efforts to enhance security across Plateau State.