By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered a ransom of N8 million in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a major breakthrough against criminal elements in the region.
The operation, carried out by troops deployed in Sector 9, Shendam, took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and highlights the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and enhance the protection of lives and property within its Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the rescue mission followed the abduction of a female victim from the Bauna area of Shendam Local Government Area on April 19, 2026.
He explained that the troops acted on credible intelligence and the interrogation of a suspect earlier arrested in connection with the crime. The suspect reportedly confessed, leading security operatives to the victim’s location in the Padam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
“Through rigorous intelligence gathering and sustained interrogation, troops were able to trace the victim to her captors’ hideout, where she was successfully rescued,” the statement said.
In addition to the rescue, troops recovered the sum of N8 million, which had earlier been paid by the victim’s family as ransom. The recovered money was subsequently returned to the family.
Following her rescue, the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Shendam, where she underwent medical examination and was confirmed to be in stable condition before being reunited with her family.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified follow-up operations in Qua’an Pan and Shendam Local Government Areas to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
The Joint Task Force commended residents for their cooperation and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts at maintaining peace and security in the area.
