By Richard Benjamin
Troops of Sector 9, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, have rescued eight kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating from hideouts within the forest.
Military sources said the suspects opened fire on the advancing troops in an attempt to escape, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire.
Three of the victims escaped during the encounter and were rescued immediately, while five others were found later as troops continued combing the forest, bringing the total number rescued to eight.
No casualties were recorded among the troops, while efforts are continuing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle their hideouts.
The Nigerian Army said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and improve security in vulnerable communities.
Residents of nearby communities welcomed the rescue and commended the troops for their intervention, urging security agencies to sustain operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups in the area.
The rescued victims have been reunited with security authorities for medical attention and further debriefing.
