Eight kidnapped victims have been rescued by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE during a military operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation, conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest, according to the Joint Task Force.

A statement on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the troops of Sector 9, deployed in Namu, launched a deliberate offensive against the criminals, leading to a gun battle.

The statement explained that the suspected kidnappers opened sporadic fire while attempting to flee. Amid the exchange, three of the kidnapped victims escaped from captivity.

It added that troops subsequently combed the forest and rescued five more victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.

According to the military, all the rescued victims are in safe condition, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.

The Joint Task Force said troops are continuing operations in the area to apprehend or neutralise the fleeing kidnappers.

It also disclosed that members of the local communities commended the troops for the successful operation and pledged to continue providing credible information to support ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.

Operation ENDURING PEACE urged residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence to enhance peace and security across its joint operations area.