The Nigerian Army, during rescue operations in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday, neutralised two suspected kidnappers following the abduction of two people.

In a statement on Thursday, the media information officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Samson Nantip Zhakom, said both victims were rescued during operations which took place in Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages.

Mr Zhakom said, “Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) operating under Sector 2 on 22 October 2025 neutralised two kidnappers during rescue operations at Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

“The rescue operations were conducted following the kidnap of two civilians, Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman, along Wanka-Dengi road in Kanam LGA of the State. Troops detailed for the operations, having obtained credible intelligence, cordoned the criminals’ general area and made contact with them at the outskirts of Tunga village in Kanam LGA of Plateau State.

“The kidnappers engaged the troops in a firefight, leading to the neutralisation of two of them, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The hideout of the criminals was thoroughly searched, and one pump-action gun, one locally fabricated rifle, eight cartridges, and other sundry items were recovered.”

Mr Zhakom also stated that the rescued victims had been handed over to their families after proper security checks were carried out. However, the recovered items are in custody for further action.

The troops assured that they will continue to frustrate the activities of non-state actors and deny them freedom of operation in order to protect the lives and property of law-abiding residents in the area.