Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have rescued a 12-year-old boy who was sold by his uncle to a kidnapping syndicate three years ago. The boy was found during a military raid in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of OPSH, the rescue operation took place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The boy’s uncle, who reportedly sold him, is still on the run.
“The boy was rescued during a raid on criminal hideouts in the Riyom area. Investigations revealed he was sold three years ago by his uncle, who is currently at large,” Maj. Zhakom said.
The rescued child has been handed over to the Councillor representing Zamko Ward in Langtang North Local Government Area, who will reunite him with his immediate family.
In a related operation, troops acting on credible intelligence also intercepted armed bandits in Wase Local Government Area. The soldiers laid an ambush along the Kampani-Kombodoro road on Friday, July 24, and engaged the criminals in a gunfight. The bandits fled, abandoning weapons.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The army confirmed that troops are still pursuing the fleeing suspects.
These efforts are part of ongoing military operations to restore peace and security across Plateau State and surrounding areas, which have been plagued by armed banditry and communal violence.