Troops neutralise kidnappers and rescue kidnapped victims in Kaduna and Plateau

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) during the conduct of ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD have continued to record significant operational successes against criminal elements across Kaduna and Plateau States, neutralising kidnappers, rescuing abducted victims, and foiling attempted attacks in a series of coordinated operations conducted between 11 and 13 December 2025. Media Information Officer, JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 15, 2025. "On 11 December 2025, troops of Sector 5 (Sub-Sector 4) conducted an offensive clearance operation at identified kidnappers hideouts in Dangoma and Godogodo villages, Jemaa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, following persistent kidnapping incidents in the area, the statement read. During the operation, troops made contact with the criminals and exchanged fire. In the ensuing engagement, three notorious kidnappers were neutralised. Other members of the criminal gang fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Efforts are ongoing to capture the fleeing suspects. Similarly, on 12 December 2025, troops of Sector 1 (Sub-Sector 1) carried out a successful covert operation targeting a notorious bandit, kidnapper, and gunrunner who was responsible for several cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities within Bassa and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted along the Jebbu Gada Biu road in Bassa LGA. Upon sighting the troops, the criminal opened fire but was swiftly neutralised by the troops. Items recovered from the suspect include one pistol, 9 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, one dagger, one mobile phone, and a large sum of money, all of which are in custody. Additionally, on 13 December 2025, troops swiftly responded to intelligence on an impending attack at Gidan-Saki Village, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The prompt response by own troops forced the criminals to abandon their mission and withdraw into the surrounding bushes. Troops are deploying necessary means to apprehend the fleeing suspects. In another related operation on the same date, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Jengre in Plateau State, conducted an ambush operation following the kidnapping of four persons at Rimi Village, Jere District, Bassa LGA. The troops laid a well-coordinated ambush along the bandits withdrawal route. Upon contact, a fire fight ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee. During the encounter, one kidnapper was neutralised, while all 4 victims were rescued alive. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals. JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens across the joint operations area.