Forces from the 3rd Nigerian Division and Operation Haven (OPSH) have rescued 16 passengers and kidnapped along Jos-Mangu Road in the Plateau State.
Media Information Officer Operation Haven, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, who revealed this in a statement on Monday, April 14, 2025, said troops provided first aid to some rescued victims who were slightly injured during the incident.
The statement said: “The rescue operation began at about 9 pm on April 13, 2025, around 9 pm local time, and around 9 pm local time, an empty vehicle was found on the roadside of Marararaban Kantoma in local time, and the rescue operation began.”
The troops immediately searched nearby bushes to track down the occupants of the suspected kidnapped vehicle. While witnessing the troops fire, the kidnappers drown the criminals with high firepower, forcing them to abandon their victims and flee the troops. The troops deprived the entire 16 kidnapped soldiers and rescued all the kidnapped passengers, including six children.
The troops provided first aid to some rescued victims who were slightly injured during the incident.
“The troops have since escorted the victims safely and continued to Jos Metropolitan.
“At the same time, the troops are looking for fleeing kidnappers, suspected of suffering gunshot wounds during their encounter with the troops.
“OPSH reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and property within the joint operation area, while the troops remain motivated to deny freedom of action for wrongful acts.”
