By POLYCARP AUTA

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP), have rescued eight kidnapped victims from their abductors at Pandam forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

Capt. Polycarp Oteh, the Media Officer of the Joint Task Force, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Jos.

Oteh said that the operation that led to the rescue of victims followed credible intelligence report.

He explained that the victims were rescued on Wednesday by troops of Sector 9 in Pandam forest in Qua’an Pan LGA.

“Troops of our Sector 9, on Wednesday, conducted a deliberate offensive operation leading to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims at Pandam forest in Qua’an Pan LGA.

“The operation conducted at approximately 3:00a.m., following credible intelligence regarding the presence of kidnappers in the forest, highlights the troops unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security as well as the protection of citizens.

“During the operation, troops engaged in a firefight with the suspected kidnappers, who fired sporadically in an attempt to withdraw.

“During the exchange of fire, three of the kidnapped victims managed to escape from the kidnappers’ custody.

“Subsequent exploitation and thorough combing of the forest by the troops led to the rescue of five other victims,” he said.

Oteh said that the rescued victims were currently in safe condition and would soon be reunited with their families. (NAN)