By UUriel Ihotu
Plateau Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Arrest 11 Suspects in Jos
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered weapons during separate operations across Plateau State.
The operations were carried out on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo, raided suspected criminal hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills.
The raids resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects.
The operation received further intelligence from two victims who had allegedly been abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18.
During preliminary investigations, the victims reportedly identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
More Arrests, Weapons Recovered
In a separate operation at about 6:00 p.m. on September 19, troops of Sector 3 operating in Bassa Local Government Area conducted a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence.
The operation led to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of a suspect.
Troops have continued to dominate the area as they intensify efforts to locate and apprehend other suspected members of the criminal group.
Similarly, troops of Sector 8 in Mangu Local Government Area conducted a confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis.
During the patrol, troops apprehended a suspected criminal around the Water Board Area after he allegedly attempted to conceal a weapon upon sighting the troops.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The suspects remain in custody and are undergoing further investigation and intelligence exploitation to determine the wider activities of the alleged syndicate and identify other suspects who may be at large.
Commander Commends Troops
The Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism, dexterity and timely response during the operations.
He directed the troops to sustain their operational tempo and continue efforts to prevent criminal elements from operating freely within the Joint Operations Area.
Dangana also acknowledged the support and cooperation of residents of Plateau State and other stakeholders.
He stressed that timely and credible information from members of the public remains important to ongoing security operations and efforts to consolidate peace across the state.
The commander reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property while supporting ongoing peace and security efforts across Plateau State.
