By Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully rescued 16 passengers kidnapped along the Jos-Mangu Road in Plateau State.
In a statement released in Jos on Monday, OPSH Media Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, said the rescue operation was launched after troops of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A discovered an abandoned vehicle at Mararraban Kantoma, Mangu LGA.
Suspecting foul play, the soldiers conducted a search in the surrounding bushes. Upon sighting the troops, the kidnappers opened fire but were swiftly overpowered by the military’s superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
“All 16 abducted passengers, including six children, were rescued,” the statement read. “Some sustained minor injuries and were given first aid before being safely escorted to Jos metropolis to continue their journey.”
OPSH confirmed that the search for the fleeing kidnappers is ongoing, as they may have suffered gunshot wounds during the exchange.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region, vowing to maintain pressure on criminal elements and deny them any freedom of action.
