Nigerian troops rescued two kidnapped victims in Plateau State during a patrol operation, the military said Tuesday, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat armed groups in the country’s north-central region.
The Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, reported that soldiers deployed in Wase intercepted the victims near Kukawa in Kanam Local Government Area after bandits abandoned them and fled. The victims, who had been abducted at gunpoint, were later reunited with their families.
The rescue is part of a broader campaign against criminal networks that have plagued Plateau and neighboring states with kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on rural communities. Security forces have also intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna, highlighting the scale of operations across the region.
Public reaction has been mixed. Families of the victims expressed relief and gratitude to the military, while local residents voiced concern that kidnappings remain frequent despite repeated operations. Civil society groups have urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and community engagement, warning that rescues alone will not dismantle entrenched criminal networks.
On social media, Nigerians praised the soldiers’ swift response but questioned whether lasting peace is possible without addressing poverty and governance issues that fuel insecurity. Analysts note that while tactical successes boost morale, the persistence of abductions shows the challenge of restoring stability in Plateau and beyond.
