Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued three kidnap victims in separate operations in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following sustained rescue missions against criminal elements.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was launched at about 7:30 p.m. on June 25 after troops of Sector 1 OPEP received a report that one Yusuf Usman had been abducted at Ruga Gurum in Bassa LGA.

The troops, in collaboration with Keystone operatives, immediately commenced a rescue operation at the suspected hideout of the kidnappers.

During the operation, it was discovered that the victim had escaped from his captors before the arrival of the security team. He was subsequently evacuated to Alheri Hospital for medical examination, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the kidnappers.

In a related development, troops sustained pressure on kidnappers who had earlier abducted travellers along the Jos–Zaria Road at Mista Ali in Bassa LGA.

The continued rescue operation forced the kidnappers to release the two remaining victims, identified as Owen Henry and Joshua Samuel Adeleke, both from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Security sources said the victims were safely recovered, while troops have continued aggressive patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

The military urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across Plateau State.

Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors

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Troops arrest suspect over assault on Nigerian Air Force personnel in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspect in connection with the assault on a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:15 a.m. on June 25, when troops of Sector 8 (Sub-Sector 82) responded to a distress report of an attack on an aircraft man attached to the 263 Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Daura, Katsina State.

The airman was reportedly on welfare pass to Gital Community in Tafawa Balewa LGA when he was assaulted by a group of assailants.

On arrival at the scene, the troops arrested one of the suspects, identified as Umar Farouq Saidu, while other members of the group fled on sighting the security personnel.

Security sources said the arrested suspect is currently being interrogated to provide leads that will facilitate the arrest of the fleeing suspects and aid further investigation into the incident.

The military said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.

Troops arrest suspect over assault on Nigerian Air Force personnel in Bauchi

Boko Haram family members surrender to troops in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 11 family members of Boko Haram terrorists, comprising five women and six children, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender took place at about 6:00 p.m. on June 24 at separate locations in Banki, Bama Local Government Area.

According to the sources, four women and four minors from Chongolo village voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, while another woman and two minors from Ladantar surrendered to troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion at Banki Junction.

The sources said preliminary profiling revealed that all 11 individuals are family members of Boko Haram terrorists who fled insurgent enclaves in search of safety.

Following documentation and profiling by the troops, the surrendered individuals were handed over to the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp for further processing and rehabilitation in line with established procedures.

Military sources said the surrender is part of the continuing wave of defections from terrorist enclaves as sustained military pressure under Operation HADIN KAI continues to weaken insurgent groups operating in the North-East.

They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops remain vigilant and maintain high morale in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Boko Haram family members surrender to troops in Borno