Troops of Operation Safe Haven rescue seven kidnapped victims in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

The rescue operation was part of the ongoing efforts under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, aimed at restoring peace and security in Plateau and surrounding states.

According to Media Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the operation was conducted at the Attakar High Grounds in Ganawuri District of Riyom LGA, following credible intelligence reports about the presence of kidnappers holding captives in the area.

According to reports from the Media Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the operation was initiated after intelligence showed that some individuals had been abducted on the Jos–Ganawuri road on March 7, 2025.

Advertisement

The intelligence pointed to the kidnappers’ hideout within the rugged terrain of the Attakar High Grounds.

In response, OPSH troops launched a coordinated offensive to secure the area and rescue the victims.

During the operation, the troops made direct contact with the kidnappers.

The criminals, upon encountering the superior firepower of the military, were forced to abandon their captives and flee into the highlands.

The troops maintained pressure on the fleeing suspects but prioritized the safety of the kidnapped victims.

After securing the area, the troops thoroughly combed the general vicinity, leading to the successful rescue of all seven victims.

The rescued individuals have been identified as Mr. Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani—all from Bauchi State.

They were immediately provided with medical attention and psychological support to address any trauma resulting from their ordeal.

Troops also recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials, believed to have been left behind by the fleeing kidnappers.

Following their rescue, the victims were debriefed by military intelligence officers to extract useful information that could aid in ongoing efforts to dismantle the kidnapping network operating in the region.

The intelligence gathered is expected to assist in tracking and neutralizing the criminal syndicate behind the abductions.

After the debriefing, the rescued individuals were safely reunited with their families, who expressed gratitude to the military for their swift and effective response.

The successful operation underscores the commitment of OPSH to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Plateau and neighboring states.

Major Zhakom reaffirmed the determination of Operation Safe Haven to sustain the offensive against criminal elements in the Joint Operations Area.

He emphasized that troops would continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations to track down and apprehend those involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.

He also assured the public that the military remained resolute in its mission to restore peace and order in the region.

Operation Safe Haven, which operates under the mandate of maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Kaduna State, has recorded several successes in recent months through targeted operations against criminal elements.

The latest rescue operation marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to eliminate kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in the region.