Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State have neutralised five suspected kidnappers and successfully rescued an abducted woman during a raid on a criminal hideout.
The operation took place on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026, at Angwan Boka in Sopp District, Riyom Local Government Area.
Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos on Wednesday.
He stated: “Yes, it’s true. Our men neutralised five kidnappers and rescued a woman who was earlier abducted.”
The raid was launched based on credible intelligence obtained from two suspects arrested on February 16, 2026, who were confirmed members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
“Acting on the information, troops mobilised to the hideout and rescued Hauwa Suleiman, who was earlier abducted by the criminal elements,” Oteh added.
The rescued victim was found unharmed and has since been reunited with her family.
Items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, ₦17,600 in cash, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs, according to residents including John Mairiga of the Riyom community.
The troops spokesperson stressed the critical role of community cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
“We urge the people to continue to give us information. Information will help us. Even though we will do our best, with credible and actionable information, we will be able to know where the criminal elements are and be able to deal with them so that there will be peace,” he said.
Oteh reiterated the mandate of the troops: “Our men have maintained an aggressive posture to decisively deal with criminals. We will do our best to ensure there is peace in all parts of Plateau. That is the mandate of the Commander – to ensure there is peace; that people go back to their farms and do their businesses without problem.”
The successful operation follows other recent counter-insurgency successes in the region. On February 11, 2026, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast neutralised 16 insurgents and rescued 11 hostages in a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State.
Security agencies continue to urge residents to report suspicious activities and provide timely intelligence to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and safety across affected communities.
