Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Victims in Plateau, Arrest Gun Runner in Kaduna

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two kidnapped victims in Plateau State and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Kaduna State during separate operations this week.

The successes were recorded during coordinated patrols and stop-and-search exercises, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.

In the first operation, troops deployed in the Wase area rescued two victims around Kukawa in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The soldiers encountered the criminals while they were transporting the victims to their hideouts.

“Troops who were on aggressive fighting patrol of the general area made contact with the criminals while conveying the victims to their hideouts, and they immediately abandoned the victims and fled into nearby bushes,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted at gunpoint on February 22, 2026, from Mansur village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. They have since been debriefed, and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Troops continue to comb the area in search of the fleeing suspects and to locate any other potential victims.

In a separate operation, troops deployed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State intercepted a suspected gunrunner during a stop-and-search at Kurmin Goro village.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Vincent Ibrahim, was allegedly transporting weapons. “The 36-year-old suspect… was intercepted while conveying five fabricated rifles to an undisclosed location in Kafanchan,” Captain Oteh said. Ibrahim is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force, Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism. He assured citizens of the military’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.