Nigerian Soldiers Stop Kidnappers, Rescue 10 Victims

Author: Jonadab

Publisher: DocuNews Central

June 8, 2026

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully foiled multiple kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims during coordinated security operations in Plateau and Kaduna states. The operations were conducted within a 48-hour period as security forces intensified efforts to protect commuters and residents from criminal attacks.

According to information obtained by DocuNews Central, the military responded to separate distress calls involving suspected kidnappers and armed criminals operating along key road corridors. The swift intervention of troops prevented further abductions and led to the safe recovery of several victims.

The incidents occurred on June 5 and June 6, 2026, across parts of Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as well as Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The operations formed part of ongoing security efforts within the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area.

What Happened?

The first operation took place after reports emerged that suspected kidnappers had blocked a highway along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sayin axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops deployed to the area responded immediately after receiving intelligence about the attack.

Upon arrival, soldiers discovered an abandoned ash-coloured Honda vehicle left on the roadway. Security personnel quickly launched a search-and-rescue mission in nearby bushes where the kidnappers had reportedly taken their captives.

The operation resulted in the rescue of six kidnapped passengers. The victims informed security personnel that they had boarded a commercial vehicle travelling from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Jos before they were intercepted by the kidnappers. The driver of the vehicle remained missing as of the latest military update.

Troops Respond to Distress Call in Bokkos

In another operation, troops deployed in Bokkos Local Government Area responded to an emergency distress call from residents of Faggem Village. Reports indicated that armed criminals were attempting to abduct residents within the community.

Security forces mobilised rapidly and arrived at the location before the kidnappers could escape with their targets. The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the suspects to abandon the operation and flee into a nearby forest.

As a result, troops rescued Pastor Ayuba Bitrus and his wife, Mrs. Nanman Bitrus, who were among those targeted by the kidnappers. Both victims sustained injuries during the attack before security personnel intervened.

Medical Treatment for Rescued Victims

Following their rescue, the injured couple received immediate assistance from the military. Troops evacuated them to Bokkos Medical Clinic for medical attention and further evaluation.

Medical personnel attended to the victims while security agencies commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attempted abduction. Authorities indicated that investigations remain active.

According to DocuNews Central, the rescue operation highlighted the importance of rapid response capabilities in areas facing recurring kidnapping threats. Security officials continue to monitor vulnerable communities across the operational zone.

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Kaduna Operation Leads to Additional Rescue

Troops also recorded success in Kaduna State during a separate security operation. Soldiers deployed at Ungwan Gora in Sanga Local Government Area received reports of armed men blocking the highway between Rafi Tagwai and Angwan Dariya.

The military moved quickly to the area after receiving the alert. Upon reaching the scene, troops encountered evidence of a fresh attack and immediately commenced rescue efforts.

Two injured passengers were rescued during the operation. Security personnel also recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, suggesting that the attackers were armed and had engaged in criminal activity before fleeing.

Search Continues for Missing Victims

Military authorities disclosed that efforts remain ongoing to locate additional victims who may have been taken away by the fleeing suspects. Troops have continued search operations across nearby forests and remote locations.

Security patrols have also increased along major highways connecting affected communities. The aim is to prevent further attacks while reassuring travellers and residents.

The rescued victims from the Kaduna incident were transported to a medical facility in Fadan Karshi District where they received treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.

Who Is Involved?

The operations involved troops serving under Operation Enduring Peace, a Joint Military Task Force responsible for maintaining security across parts of Plateau and Kaduna states. Soldiers from Sectors 5, 6 and 7 participated in the rescue missions.

The victims included six passengers travelling from Lafia to Jos, Pastor Ayuba Bitrus, Mrs. Nanman Bitrus, and two passengers rescued during the Kaduna operation. Together, the operations accounted for 10 rescued victims.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, provided details of the operations through an official statement released in Jos. The statement outlined the sequence of events and confirmed the successful rescue missions.

Military Statement on the Operations

Military authorities described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to secure highways, rural communities and vulnerable locations within the Joint Operations Area.

The statement noted that troops remain committed to protecting lives and property while pursuing criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and related crimes. Authorities further stated that aggressive manhunts have been launched to track fleeing suspects.

According to DocuNews Central, security officials believe sustained pressure on criminal networks will help reduce incidents of highway abductions and attacks on communities across the region.

Security Challenges Remain

Kidnapping remains one of the major security concerns affecting several parts of northern Nigeria. Criminal groups frequently target highways, rural settlements and travellers in search of ransom payments.

However, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence gathering, patrol operations and rapid-response deployments aimed at disrupting criminal activities before attacks can succeed.

The latest rescue missions in Plateau and Kaduna states represent another effort by security forces to counter kidnapping operations and improve safety within affected communities. Investigations and search efforts remain ongoing as authorities continue to pursue those responsible for the attacks.

For official military updates, readers can monitor information released through the Nigerian Armed Forces and relevant security agencies. According to DocuNews Central, authorities have urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information that can assist ongoing security operations.