By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded a significant breakthrough in Plateau State, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering a ransom of N8 million paid to her abductors, in what security authorities described as a major disruption of criminal networks operating in the area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, who said the operation was carried out on Saturday, April 25, 2026, following sustained intelligence efforts.
Oteh explained that the rescue operation stemmed from the abduction of a female victim in Bauna community of Shendam Local Government Area on April 19, noting that troops launched a coordinated response immediately after receiving credible information.
“Through rigorous intelligence gathering and the interrogation of an arrested suspect who confessed to the crime, troops were able to identify the victim’s location at Padam Forest in Quanpan Local Government Area,” he said.
According to him, troops advanced to the identified location in a carefully planned operation, where the victim was found and successfully rescued without further harm, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations.
He added that the operation also led to the recovery of the sum of N8 million, which had earlier been paid by the victim’s family as ransom to secure her release.
“The operation also resulted in the recovery of the sum of 8 million naira, which was previously paid by the victim’s family as ransom to the kidnappers,” Oteh stated.
Following her rescue, the victim was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Shendam for medical examination and evaluation to ensure her physical and psychological well-being.
“After undergoing thorough medical checks, the victim was officially reunited with her family, while the recovered ransom was returned in full,” he added.
The military spokesman noted that troops have intensified follow-up operations across Quanpan and Shendam local government areas to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate and dismantle their operational bases.
“Troops are currently conducting exploitation operations of the kidnappers’ hideouts within Quanpan and Shendam LGAs to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate,” he said.
He reiterated that the success of the operation underscores the resolve of Operation ENDURING PEACE to safeguard lives and property, while calling on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the citizenry for their support and calls for more timely information that would assist in maintaining peace and security in the Joint Operations Area,” Oteh added.
Security analysts say the recovery of ransom funds, which is relatively rare in kidnapping cases, signals a shift towards more aggressive and intelligence-driven operations aimed not only at rescuing victims but also at crippling the financial backbone of criminal gangs.
Troops Smash Kidnap Ring in Plateau, Rescue Victim, Recover N8m Ransom
