Security operations in Plateau State saw major developments over the weekend as troops rescued a kidnapped woman, recovered ₦8 million ransom, arrested suspects, and responded to a deadly attack that left a pastor and his family dead.
Personnel of Operation Enduring Peace in Sector 9, Shendam, successfully freed a female hostage and retrieved the ransom paid by her family during a Saturday operation on 25 April 2026.
The rescue followed intelligence-led investigations after the victim was abducted from Bauna community in Shendam LGA on 19 April. Military sources said progress was made after a suspect was arrested and confessed, leading operatives to Pandam forest in Qua’an Pan LGA, where the victim was found and rescued safely.
The recovered money was returned to the family after the victim received medical attention at the General Hospital in Shendam. Troops have since expanded operations across Shendam and Qua’an Pan to dismantle the remaining members of the kidnapping gang.
The Chairman of Qua’an Pan LGA, Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the arrests and presentation of the recovered funds, reiterating his administration’s firm stance against crime, warning that criminals would not be allowed to operate or seek refuge in the area.
In a related development, another kidnapped victim, Mrs. Gambo Bello, was rescued after being taken from Padama in Lafia East LGA of Nasarawa State and held in the Pandam Game Reserve. She said she spent more than a week in captivity before troops stormed the hideout, forcing the kidnappers to flee after a gun duel.
Manship described the operations as the third major breakthrough in recent kidnapping cases, crediting improved inter-agency cooperation and support from Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
However, violence continued in Riyom LGA, where armed attackers invaded Gako Village on Sunday night, killing a pastor, Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, and their two children. Residents said the gunmen struck around 11 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and causing panic as villagers fled.
A youth group in the area condemned the attack and also reported widespread destruction of farmlands in nearby communities, worsening fears of escalating insecurity.
Residents across Riyom and Barkin Ladi have called for stronger security intervention as attacks in farming communities continue.
Operation Enduring Peace praised community cooperation and urged continued intelligence sharing to support ongoing military efforts in Plateau State.
