Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised six suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a raid on a criminal hideout at Angwan Boka in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, carried out Tuesday night, followed credible intelligence provided by two suspects arrested a day earlier on February 16, who were confirmed members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
Acting on the information, troops stormed the hideout where the abductors were holding their latest victim, Hauwa Suleiman, who had been kidnapped earlier that day.
Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed that the troops engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, killing four suspects. The two previously arrested suspects attempted to escape during the firefight by trying to disarm soldiers but were overpowered and neutralised, bringing the total number of suspects killed to six.
Recovered items included three mobile phones, ₦17,600 in cash, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs. The rescued victim was found unharmed, debriefed by security operatives, and reunited with her family.
Oteh added that troops have sustained offensive operations in the area to track down fleeing members of the syndicate, stressing that efforts are ongoing to dismantle the criminal network and restore lasting security. He urged citizens to continue supporting the military in its operations.
By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
