Army Rescues Pastor, Foils Kidnapping in Plateau, Kaduna

On June 5, 2026, troops from the Joint Military Task Force, led by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, conducted operations in Plateau and Kaduna States to thwart multiple kidnapping attempts. The operations, which took place over 48 hours, resulted in the rescue of ten victims, including a pastor and his wife.

In the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops responded to reports of kidnappers blocking highways and discovered an abandoned ash-colored Honda vehicle. A thorough search led to the rescue of six individuals who were kidnapped while traveling on a commercial vehicle bound for Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Simultaneously, in Bokko Local Government Area, troops acted on an urgent distress call from Faggem Village, successfully foiling an ongoing abduction attempt and rescuing the pastor and his wife, who sustained injuries during the assault. The military has initiated a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.