Troops rescue three injured victims, launch operation to free two kidnapped passengers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued three passengers injured during an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Makarfi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2026, when troops responded to reports of sporadic shootings by suspected kidnappers who had blocked the highway.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered a commercial bus with registration number EPE-840XB, driven by Mr Baba Ruwa from Oyo State, which had been intercepted by the criminals.
The suspected kidnappers reportedly fled after sighting the troops, allowing the soldiers to rescue three passengers who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Further interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that the criminals had abducted two other passengers identified as Mrs Precious and Mrs Esther.
The three injured victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Riyom, for medical attention.
Security sources have raised concerns over the growing involvement of some local Berom militia elements in kidnapping-for-ransom activities within parts of Plateau State. The development is reportedly being driven by the proliferation of locally fabricated firearms, which has increased the capacity of criminal elements to mount road ambushes, intimidate communities and abduct travellers.
The emerging trend has further complicated security operations in affected areas, as some of the criminals are believed to exploit their familiarity with the terrain and local communities to evade security forces.
Meanwhile, security agencies are intensifying operations to identify and dismantle the criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents.
