By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation OPEP have neutralised five suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a raid on a criminal hideout at Angwan Boka in Sopp District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:20 p.m. on Feb. 17, following actionable intelligence obtained from two suspects earlier arrested on Feb. 16 and confirmed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The sources disclosed that the suspects had revealed the location of their accomplices’ hideout and confirmed that a woman abducted earlier at about 6:00 a.m. the same day was being held there.
“Troops immediately mobilised to the objective with the two arrested suspects in custody. On arrival, they made contact with the kidnappers and neutralised three of them during an exchange of fire,” the source said.
During the operation, the two arrested suspects reportedly attempted to exploit the situation to escape by trying to disarm the soldiers but were swiftly subdued.
Items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, N17,600 in cash and suspected illicit substances.
The abducted victim, identified as Hauwa Suleiman, was rescued unharmed, debriefed and reunited with her family.
Security sources added that troops have continued offensive operations in the area to track down and intercept fleeing members of the syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network.
