Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued a pastor and his wife who were abducted by suspected bandits in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a swift military operation that forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
The successful rescue operation is the latest in a series of efforts by security forces to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes that have continued to threaten communities in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
According to military authorities, the victims were rescued after troops responded promptly to a distress call from Faggem village, where armed criminals had launched an attack and attempted to abduct residents.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh.
He said the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 5 stationed in Bokkos, adding that the intervention prevented what could have become a larger kidnapping incident.
Captain Oteh explained that the incident occurred on Friday, June 5, 2026, when armed criminals invaded the community and attempted to whisk away residents into the surrounding forest.
However, troops were immediately mobilized after receiving information about the attack.
“Troops of Sector 5 operating in Bokkos recorded another victory against criminality in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State,” the statement said.
“Responding to an urgent distress call from Faggem Village on June 5, 2026, troops swiftly mobilized and foiled an ongoing abduction attempt, as the operational pressure forced the criminals to abandon their targets and flee into a nearby forest.”
The military spokesman said the quick response by the troops disrupted the plans of the kidnappers and prevented them from successfully escaping with their victims.
During the operation, soldiers pursued the fleeing criminals into nearby bushes and forest areas in an effort to rescue those already taken away.
The chase eventually led to the rescue of a pastor and his wife, who had been seized by the kidnappers during the attack.
“The chase led troops to successfully rescue a pastor and his wife from the clutches of the kidnappers,” Captain Oteh stated.
The rescued couple reportedly suffered injuries during the assault carried out by the criminals before they were taken into captivity.
Military authorities said the victims were immediately evacuated from the scene and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
According to the statement, the pastor and his wife were transported to the Bokkos Medical Clinic, where they received medical attention for injuries sustained during the attack.
Security officials did not disclose the identities of the victims, but assured that they were responding well to treatment.
The rescue has brought relief to residents of the community, many of whom have continued to live under fear due to recurring attacks by armed groups in parts of Plateau State.
Over the years, Bokkos and several neighbouring local government areas have witnessed incidents involving kidnappings, attacks on villages, destruction of property and clashes that have led to loss of lives.
These security challenges have forced many residents to abandon farms and businesses, while others have become increasingly worried about their safety.
The latest rescue operation is therefore being seen as a positive development by many community members who have repeatedly called for stronger security measures.
Captain Oteh disclosed that after rescuing the victims, troops carried out a search of the kidnappers’ hideout and surrounding areas.
During the operation, soldiers recovered eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, an indication that the criminals were armed and prepared for violent confrontation.
The military said the recovered ammunition cases would assist ongoing investigations and efforts to identify members of the criminal gang.
Following the discovery, troops intensified their pursuit of the suspects by extending search operations into adjoining forest areas.
Security forces are currently conducting a manhunt to apprehend the criminals who escaped during the operation.
Military authorities expressed confidence that the suspects would eventually be tracked down and brought to justice.
The operation forms part of broader efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to tackle insecurity across Plateau State.
Operation Enduring Peace was established to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in communities affected by violence, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
In recent months, troops operating under the task force have carried out patrols, rescue missions, intelligence operations and raids targeting criminal hideouts across different parts of the state.
The successful intervention in Bokkos appears to reflect that strategy, as troops were able to act before the criminals could fully establish control over their captives.
Residents have also been encouraged to continue sharing information with security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Community leaders in Plateau State have repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation between citizens and security personnel in tackling crime and improving public safety.
Meanwhile, Captain Oteh reassured members of the public that troops would sustain their operations against criminal groups operating within the state.
He said security personnel remain committed to protecting communities and ensuring that highways, villages and towns are free from criminal activities.
The spokesman added that military operations would continue until those responsible for kidnappings, banditry and other crimes are arrested and prosecuted.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The troops will not relent in their ongoing efforts and decisive operations to rid the highways and communities of criminal elements,” he said.
The rescue of the pastor and his wife is expected to strengthen public confidence in ongoing security operations in Plateau State.