Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation in Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026, after security personnel received intelligence about suspected kidnappers operating around Rayfield and other parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo, moved against suspected criminal hideouts in Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills.
The raids resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, according to the task force.
Two Kidnap Victims Rescued in Gwafan
The operation was also supported by information obtained from two victims who were allegedly abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18.
The victims were rescued during the military operation and subsequently provided information that assisted investigators in identifying suspects allegedly linked to their abduction.
The task force said preliminary investigations led the victims to identify three of the arrested suspects as alleged members of the syndicate responsible for their abduction.
The identification remains part of an ongoing investigation, and the suspects are yet to be convicted of any offence.
The operation underscores the role of timely intelligence in helping security agencies locate suspected criminal hideouts and respond to kidnapping incidents.
Additional Security Operations in Plateau
The military statement also detailed separate operations conducted in other parts of Plateau State.
At about 6pm on September 19, troops of Sector 3 deployed in Bassa Local Government Area carried out a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle.
The task force said troops remained in the area as they continued efforts to locate other suspected members of the criminal group.
In Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 also conducted a confidence-building patrol along the Tul, Ntam, Angwan Mata and Deng-Deng axis.
During the patrol, soldiers reportedly arrested another suspected criminal around the Water Board area after the individual allegedly attempted to conceal a weapon upon sighting the troops.
A search reportedly resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The arrested suspects are being investigated as security personnel seek to establish their alleged roles in criminal activities and identify other members of the suspected networks.
Military Sustains Pressure on Criminal Networks
The latest operations form part of continuing security efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to disrupt kidnapping and other criminal activities across Plateau State.
Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for their response to the intelligence and the operations carried out across the state.
Dangana urged personnel to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of residents and other stakeholders, stressing the importance of credible information from communities in supporting security operations.
Why the Operation Matters
Kidnapping remains a major security concern in parts of Plateau State, where criminal activity can affect residents, businesses, transportation and community life.
The latest operation is significant not only because of the rescue of two victims but also because information obtained from the victims was reportedly used to support the identification of suspects.
The recovery of locally fabricated firearms and ammunition in separate operations also highlights the continuing challenge posed by the availability of weapons to criminal groups.
For communities affected by kidnapping, effective intelligence gathering can provide security agencies with information needed to respond more quickly to abductions and identify suspected perpetrators.
However, arrests do not by themselves establish criminal responsibility. The suspects remain subject to investigation and, where appropriate, prosecution before a court.
What Happens Next
The arrested suspects are expected to remain under investigation as security authorities work to determine their alleged involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The military is also expected to continue operations across the affected areas, particularly where intelligence indicates the presence of additional members of suspected criminal networks.
Authorities have continued to encourage residents to provide credible information to security agencies while avoiding actions that could endanger victims, residents or ongoing operations.
The outcome of the investigations, including any subsequent prosecutions or additional arrests, will determine the next stage of the security operation.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE — statement issued by Media Information Officer Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh.
- Punch Newspapers — report on the rescue of two kidnap victims and arrests in Plateau State, published September 21, 2026.
- The Times Nigeria — report on the Plateau security operations, published September 20, 2026.
- PRNigeria — report on the arrests and recovery of weapons in Plateau State, published September 20, 2026.
- Vanguard — report on the wider Plateau operations, published September 20, 2026.
