Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE, during a pre-dawn raid at Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan LGA, Plateau State, rescued 8 kidnapped victims. The operation was carried out at about 3:00am on Wednesday, after credible intelligence placed kidnappers in the area.

The troops made contact with suspected kidnappers, who opened fire while trying to withdraw. In the confusion, 3 victims broke free and escaped captivity on their own. Their escape gave troops room to intensify the assault and secure the forest.

Soldiers, then, carried out a thorough combing of Pandam Forest. The sweep led to the rescue of 5 additional abducted persons. That brought the total number of victims recovered to 8; they are all in stable condition.

The rescued individuals are now in safe custody, while troops are working to reunite them with their families.

Meanwhile, manhunt operations are ongoing to track down and neutralize the fleeing kidnappers. The military said the operation is part of sustained efforts to disrupt criminal networks in the region.