Troops of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, alongside Operation SAFE HAVEN, have successfully rescued 16 passengers who were abducted along the Jos-Mangu road in Plateau State.
The rescue operation took place on Sunday night, around 9 p.m., following the discovery of an abandoned vehicle near Mararaban Kantoma in the Mangu Local Government Area.
The rescue began after the troops discovered an empty vehicle by the roadside. The vehicle was initially spotted during an operation known as LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
According to Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, the troops immediately launched a search in the surrounding bushes, suspecting the presence of abducted individuals. Their hunch proved correct as they found the kidnappers holding the victims in captivity.
Upon encountering the troops, the kidnappers opened fire. However, the well-equipped and highly trained soldiers quickly responded, overpowering the criminals with superior firepower. The kidnappers were forced to retreat and abandon their captives, allowing the troops to rescue all 16 victims, including six children.
The rescued passengers, some of whom had suffered minor injuries during the ordeal, were given first aid by the troops. After being treated, the soldiers escorted them safely to Jos, where they continued their journey. While the immediate threat had been eliminated, the troops remained on high alert for the fleeing kidnappers, who are suspected to have sustained injuries during the confrontation.
In a statement issued on Monday, Major Zhakom praised the efforts of the troops and reassured the public of Operation Safe Haven’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of people in the region. He noted, “Troops are motivated and determined to prevent miscreants from operating freely within the Joint Operations Area.”
