Troops rescue two kidnap victims in Jos, launch manhunt for suspects

Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued two kidnap victims abducted by armed criminals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims, identified as Samson Chiroma and Nathaniel Nwase, were kidnapped at about 11:00 p.m. on August 9 while returning to their residence at the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos North.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops, working with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), immediately launched a pursuit operation after receiving a distress report.

“The troops subsequently established contact with the kidnappers, who, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding mountains,” the source said.

The source added that the troops successfully rescued both victims unhurt and reunited them with their families.

“The victims were rescued safely and subsequently reunited with their families,” the source said.

However, the criminals reportedly escaped with a laptop and two mobile phones belonging to the victims.

The source said security forces had sustained a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers.

“Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the perpetrators,” the source added.

The latest operation highlights the continued collaboration between security forces and local vigilante groups in responding to kidnapping incidents and protecting residents in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.