Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested 12 suspected criminals and recovered weapons during separate operations across Plateau State.
The operations, conducted on September 19, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of the state.
In Jos North Local Government Area, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo, raided suspected criminal hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in the early hours of Saturday.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects allegedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating around Rayfield and other parts of Jos North.
The operation was strengthened by intelligence obtained from two victims who had reportedly been abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18.
During preliminary investigations, the victims positively identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the syndicate allegedly responsible for their abduction.
In a separate operation at about 6:00pm on September 19, troops of Sector 3 operating in Bassa Local Government Area conducted a cordon-and-search operation based on credible intelligence.
The operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of one suspect.
The troops subsequently intensified their presence in the area in an effort to locate and apprehend other suspected members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of Sector 8 deployed in Mangu Local Government Area conducted a confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis.
During the patrol, troops apprehended a suspected criminal near the Water Board Area after he allegedly attempted to conceal a weapon upon sighting the security personnel.
A search of the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The 12 suspects arrested during the separate operations are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and intelligence exploitation, according to the Joint Task Force.
The investigation is expected to help establish the activities of the alleged syndicates, identify other members and support follow-up operations against fleeing suspects.
Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for their professionalism, dexterity and timely response during the operations.
Dangana directed the troops to sustain their aggressive posture and maintain operational momentum to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of residents of Plateau State and other stakeholders, stressing that timely and credible information remains critical to ongoing efforts to combat criminality and consolidate peace across the state.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protecting lives and property while strengthening existing peace and security efforts throughout Plateau State.
