Eight abducted victims from Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, have been freed by soldiers of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE.
A statement signed by Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE’s media information officer, acknowledged the rescue effort on Friday.
The statement claims that after reliable information about the existence of kidnappers in the forest, the operation was conducted on Wednesday, June 24, at around three in the morning.
According to Oteh, the victims were successfully rescued when troops stationed in Namu Town carried out a planned offensive action.
According to him, the action demonstrated the forces’ dedication to preserving security and tranquility while safeguarding lives throughout the Joint Operations Area.
He clarified that throughout the operation, the military engaged in a gunfight with the alleged kidnappers.
The alleged kidnappers engaged in a shootout with the troops during the operation, firing intermittently in an effort to flee. Three of the abducted victims were able to flee the kidnappers’ hands earlier by taking advantage of the subsequent turmoil, he said.
Five more victims were found during a follow-up search of the forest, according to Oteh.
Eight people were rescued as a result of the troops’ further exploitation and meticulous searching of the woodland, which resulted in the rescue of five more kidnapped victims.
“Efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued victims with their respective families, and they are currently in safe condition,” he stated.
Members of the impacted villages praised the operation and promised to continue working with security officials, according to the military.
“This successful operation has been highly applauded by members of the local communities, who indicated willingness to continue providing useful information to ensure the arrest of the kidnappers,” the statement continued.
In an effort to capture or neutralize the escaping kidnappers, troops are currently pursuing them. In order to disrupt criminal elements and bring about the desired tranquility throughout the Joint Operations Area, Operation ENDURING tranquility is grateful to the residents for their participation.
