16 Kidnapped Passengers Rescued by Troops on Jos-Plateau Highway
16 Kidnapped Passengers Rescued by Troops on Jos-Plateau Highway
Troops from the 3 Division of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) successfully rescued 16 passengers who had been kidnapped along the Jos – Mangu road in Plateau State.
In a statement released on Monday, Major Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for OPSH, reported that the rescue operation commenced after troops conducting Operation Lafiyan Jama’a encountered an abandoned vehicle at the roadside in Mararaban Kantoma, Mangu Local Government Area, around 9 PM local time on April 13, 2025.
Upon discovering the vehicle, the troops initiated a search of the nearby bushes for its occupants, whom they suspected had been taken hostage. When the kidnappers noticed the advancing troops, they fired upon them. However, the criminals were ultimately outmatched by the troops’ superior firepower, leading them to flee and abandon their captives.
Zhakom confirmed, “Our troops secured the area and were able to rescue all 16 abducted passengers, including six children. First aid was provided to some victims who suffered minor injuries during the ordeal.”
Following their rescue, the troops safely escorted the victims to continue their journey towards Jos Metropolis. Zhakom also mentioned that the search for the fleeing kidnappers is ongoing, as they are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
