Military troops have rescued the 16 passengers reportedly abducted by bandits along the Jos–Mangu road in Plateau State on Sunday.
This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Monday by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN.
The statement explained that the rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH).
According to the statement, “The rescue operation began when troops conducting Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of the state at about 9 p.m. local time on 13 April 2025.
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“The troops immediately searched the nearby bushes to trace the occupants of the vehicle, who were suspected to have been kidnapped.
“The kidnappers, on sighting the troops, opened fire. However, the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.
“Troops exploited the general area and successfully rescued all 16 abducted passengers, including six children.”
The statement further explained that the troops administered first aid to some of the rescued victims who sustained minor injuries during the incident.
It added, “Thereafter, the troops escorted the victims to safety so they could continue their journey to Jos Metropolis. Troops are currently on the lookout for the fleeing kidnappers, who are suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.”
OPSH reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property within the Joint Operations Area, adding that troops remain motivated to deny miscreants freedom of action.
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