Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued 16 kidnapped victims in the Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
Maj. Samson Zhakom, media officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jos on Monday, while confirming that the victims were rescued on Sunday night along the Mangu-Jos road.
According to Zhakom, the troops were on a routine operation when they discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu.
On sensing foul play, the soldiers immediately combed the surrounding bushes in search of the vehicle’s occupants, suspected to have been kidnapped.
He noted that the operation led to the rescue of all 16 abducted passengers, including six children.
He said that some of the victims who sustained minor injuries during the incident were given first aid by the troops before being moved to safer ground.
Zhakom added that the victims were later able to continue their journey to Jos.
“Our troops have rescued 16 passengers kidnapped along the Jos–Mangu road.
“The victims were rescued while troops were conducting an operation and discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu.
“The troops immediately searched the nearby bushes to trace the occupants of the vehicle suspected to have been kidnapped.
“On sighting the troops, the kidnappers opened fire, but the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower and forced them to abandon the victims and flee. Troops exploited the general area and rescued all 16 abducted passengers, including 6 children,” Zhakom stated.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the area and called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
