Troops from the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) successfully rescued 16 abducted passengers, including six children, along the Jos–Mangu road in Plateau State on Sunday, April 13th, 2025.

According to reports, the rescue operation was initiated on Sunday night, around 9pm after troops discovered an abandoned vehicle at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of the state. They initiated a search in the surrounding bushes of the abandoned vehicle. Upon encountering the kidnappers, a firefight ensued, leading the assailants to flee and abandon the victims.

According to the Spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, who confirmed the development in a statement on Monday said: “Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have rescued 16 passengers kidnapped along Jos – Mangu road in Plateau State.

“The rescue operation began when troops conducting Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of the State at about 9pm local time on 13 April 2025.

“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 fled. Troops exploited the general area and rescued all 16 abducted passengers which included 6 children,” he said

“Troops administered first aid to some of the rescued victims who sustained minor injuries during the incident. Thereafter, troops escorted the victims to safety to continue their journey to Jos Metropolis. Meanwhile, troops are on the lookout for the fleeing kidnappers suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter with troops” he added.