Troops of Sector 6, operating under Operation OPEP of the Nigerian Army in Plateau State, have successfully neutralised six suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a coordinated raid on a notorious criminal enclave in Angwan Boka, Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area.
According to security sources, the operation was carried out at about 6:20 p.m. on February 17, following actionable intelligence obtained from two suspects arrested on February 16 and confirmed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The suspects provided information leading troops to the hideout of their accomplices and also confirmed that a woman abducted earlier that morning around 6:00 a.m. was being held at the location.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops mobilised to the area with the two arrested suspects in custody. On arrival, soldiers engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, during which four of the criminals were neutralised.
During the course of the operation, the two earlier arrested suspects attempted to exploit the situation to escape by trying to disarm the soldiers amid the exchange of fire. They were, however, overpowered and also neutralised, bringing the total number of suspects killed to six.
Items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, the sum of ₦17,600 in cash, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The abducted victim, identified as Hauwa Suleiman, was rescued unharmed. She was subsequently debriefed and reunited with her family.
Security sources further revealed that troops have continued offensive operations in the area to track down fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle remaining elements of the criminal network, as efforts to restore lasting security in the locality continue.
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