BREAKING: Soldiers rescue 16 passengers kidnapped by bandits in Plateau state

Soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued 16 passengers abducted along the Jos–Mangu road in Plateau state.

The victims, including six children, were rescued on Sunday night during a clearance operation in Mararaban Kantoma, Mangu LGA.

Major Samson Zhakom, spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Monday.

Zhakom said the operation began at about 9:00 pm after troops discovered an abandoned vehicle by the roadside.

His words: “The troops immediately searched the nearby bushes to trace the occupants of the vehicle suspected to have been kidnapped.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the troops, opened fire, but own troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.

“All 16 abducted passengers, including six children, were rescued.”

Zhakom added that the troops administered first aid to some of the victims who sustained minor injuries.

He said they were later escorted to safety and continued their journey to Jos metropolis.

“Troops are on the lookout for the fleeing kidnappers, suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter,” he said.