Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State following an offensive operation under the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
According to a statement issued by the military, Major Samson Zhakom, the operation was launched based on intelligence reports indicating that kidnappers were holding some victims abducted along the Jos–Ganawuri road on March 7, 2025, at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district.
“The rescue mission follows offensive operations conducted by troops of OPSH on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA”, he said.
During the raid, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into the high grounds due to superior firepower.
Following a thorough sweep of the area, the troops successfully rescued seven victims identified as Mr. Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani—all from Bauchi State.
In addition to the rescue, security personnel recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
However, the rescued victims were debriefed for intelligence gathering to aid follow-up operations aimed at intercepting and neutralizing the kidnapping syndicate. Afterward, they were reunited with their families.
The statement read, “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
“The rescue mission follows offensive operations conducted by troops of OPSH on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA”.
“The operations carried out based on intelligence reports revealed that kidnappers were keeping some victims abducted along Jos – Ganawuri road on 7 March 2025 in the area. During the operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers and superior firepower forced them to flee into the high grounds”.
“Furthermore, troops exploited the general area and rescued seven ictims identified as Mr Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani all from Bauchi State. Troops also recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the criminals”.
