By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops under Operation OPEP have intensified efforts to restore peace in troubled communities of Plateau State, neutralising six suspected kidnappers and rescuing an abducted woman during a coordinated raid in Riyom Local Government Area.
The latest operation, carried out by Sector 6 in Angwan Boka, Sopp District, forms part of sustained intelligence-driven offensives aimed at dismantling armed gangs blamed for recurring violence, kidnappings and attacks across parts of the state.
Security sources disclosed that the raid, conducted at about 6:20 p.m. on February 17, followed actionable intelligence obtained from two suspects arrested a day earlier. The suspects were said to be members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within the area.
The arrested suspects reportedly provided information that led troops to the criminal hideout and revealed that a woman abducted earlier that morning was being held at the location. Acting swiftly, troops mobilised to the area with the suspects in custody.
On arrival, the troops encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, resulting in a gun duel during which four suspects were neutralised. During the exchange, the two earlier arrested suspects allegedly attempted to escape by trying to disarm the soldiers but were subdued and neutralised, bringing the total number of suspects killed to six.
Items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, N17,600 in cash and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The abducted woman, identified as Hauwa Suleiman, was rescued unharmed, debriefed and reunited with her family.
Security authorities said the operation reflects the ongoing military strategy to dismantle criminal networks, dominate volatile areas and gradually stem the cycle of violence affecting communities across the state.
