Dawn Raid in Pandam Forest Frees Eight Kidnap Victims from Captivity

By Matthew Eloyi On Jun 26, 2026

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In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a daring military operation deep inside the dense Pandam Forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State brought hope and freedom to eight kidnap victims who had endured days of uncertainty in the hands of their abductors.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops of Sector 9 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP), launched a carefully planned offensive against suspected kidnappers hiding within the forest. The operation, carried out at about 3:00 a.m., resulted in the successful rescue of all eight victims and underscored ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.

According to the Media Officer of the Joint Task Force, Capt. Polycarp Oteh, the troops encountered resistance as the kidnappers opened sporadic fire in a desperate attempt to evade capture. The ensuing exchange of gunfire created an opportunity for three of the victims to break free from captivity and flee to safety.

Undeterred, the troops pressed on, conducting an extensive search and combing operation across the forest. Their persistence paid off as five additional victims were located and rescued during the follow-up operation.

The successful mission highlights the growing determination of security forces to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore confidence among residents in communities affected by kidnapping and other security challenges.

Capt. Oteh said the operation demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the troops to protecting lives and maintaining peace across Plateau State. He added that all eight rescued victims were in safe condition and receiving necessary care before being reunited with their families.

For the rescued victims and their loved ones, the operation marked the end of a harrowing ordeal and the beginning of a long-awaited reunion, while serving as a reminder of the critical role intelligence-led security operations continue to play in the fight against kidnapping in the region.