Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued eight kidnapped victims during an offensive operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the operation was carried out at about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, following credible intelligence on the presence of kidnappers in the forest.
The troops deployed from Namu Town, Qua’an Pan LGA, engaged suspected kidnappers in a firefight after the gunmen opened sporadic fire while attempting to withdraw.
Amid the exchange, three of the abducted victims escaped from their captors. Troops then combed the forest and rescued five more victims, bringing the total number of those freed to eight.
“The rescued victims are currently in safe condition and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their respective families,” the statement said.
Operation ENDURING PEACE said the operation has been “highly applauded” by local community members who pledged to continue providing useful information to help arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
Troops are currently in pursuit to apprehend or neutralize the suspects who escaped during the firefight.
The Joint Task Force thanked citizens for their cooperation and called for more support to disrupt criminal elements and restore peace across the Joint Operations Area.
