The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Enduring Peace, a joint task force, have rescued a kidnapped woman and recovered N8 million ransom in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the development as a breakthrough against kidnapping networks operating in the area. The spokesperson for the task force, Chinonso Oteh, said the operation followed intelligence obtained after the arrest of a suspect linked to the abduction.
Through rigorous intelligence gathering and interrogation of an arrested suspect who confessed to the crime, troops were able to identify the victim’s location in Padam Forest and rescue her. The victim was abducted on April 19 from the Bauna area of Shendam Local Government Area. The troops tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in neighbouring Qua’an Pan, where the victim was held. The N8 million ransom paid to the kidnappers by the victim’s family was recovered during the operation and returned to them after the rescue.
The victim was taken to a hospital in Shendam for medical checks before being reunited with her family. The troops have since launched follow-up operations in parts of Qua’an Pan and Shendam to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate. The rescue is the latest in a series of security operations across Plateau State, where troops have recently targeted both armed groups and their logistics networks.
On April 22, security forces raided an illegal arms manufacturing site in Langtang North, arresting suspects and seizing weapons and equipment used for fabricating firearms. A day before, troops carried out an ambush in Barkin Ladi, killing two suspected armed men believed to be involved in attacks on local communities. On April 16, troops also intercepted a large cache of ammunition and suspected explosive materials along the Kaduna-Jos highway.
From an economic perspective, kidnapping for ransom imposes significant costs on affected communities and the broader economy. Victims’ families are forced to liquidate assets or borrow at high interest to pay ransoms, while businesses in high-risk areas face reduced foot traffic and investment. The recovery of N8 million and the rescue of the victim represent a tangible outcome of improved security intelligence, but the persistence of kidnapping networks suggests that sustained investment in community policing and economic alternatives for at-risk youth is required alongside military operations.
