Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have successfully rescued two individuals who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, marking a swift response to a violent crime that unfolded on Monday night. The victims, identified as Victor Ibikuzhu and Tongriang Dayok Salihu, were taken from Kwang village and later freed during a military pursuit operation. The rescue was confirmed by Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, who shared the update via a post on X.
Security sources revealed that the operation was launched after troops from Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, received a distress call reporting the abduction. The military units immediately mobilized, supported by personnel from the Keystone security outfit, to respond to the emergency. The combined team initiated a pursuit along routes believed to be used by the kidnappers, demonstrating coordinated efforts to recover the victims swiftly.
During the operation, the security forces established contact with the fleeing suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspected kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, abandoned the victims and fled into nearby bushes to evade capture. According to the report, the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families shortly after the operation concluded.
The successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of ongoing military operations in Plateau State, where security challenges including kidnapping and banditry remain persistent. Despite the immediate success, security sources emphasized that efforts are still underway to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Authorities are intensifying surveillance in the surrounding areas to prevent further attacks and ensure public safety.
This incident underscores the continued threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, particularly in Plateau State, which has experienced frequent security breaches. However, the quick response and successful outcome of this operation reflect the growing capacity of security agencies to respond to such crimes. As the military continues to patrol vulnerable communities, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
The rescue of Victor Ibikuzhu and Tongriang Dayok Salihu serves as a reminder of the importance of coordinated security efforts in combating criminal elements. With sustained operations and community cooperation, the hope is that such incidents will become less frequent and more swiftly resolved in the future.
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