Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued three passengers who sustained gunshot injuries after suspected kidnappers attacked travellers along the Jos–Makarfi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, after suspected kidnappers reportedly blocked the highway and opened sporadic gunfire.
Responding to distress reports, troops arrived at the scene and found a commercial bus with registration number EPE-840XB. The vehicle, reportedly driven by Baba Ruwa from Oyo State, had been intercepted by the attackers.
The suspects fled after sighting the soldiers, allowing the troops to rescue three passengers who had suffered gunshot wounds.
During questioning, the rescued passengers disclosed that two other travellers, identified as Mrs Precious and Mrs Esther, had allegedly been abducted by the attackers.
The injured victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Riyom, where they received medical treatment.
The troops have launched an operation to locate and rescue the two kidnapped passengers while also working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Security sources have raised concerns over the alleged involvement of militia elements in kidnapping-for-ransom activities in parts of Plateau State.
The sources attributed the growing threat partly to the proliferation of locally fabricated firearms, which they said had strengthened the ability of criminal groups to carry out road ambushes and abduct travellers.
They added that the attackers often take advantage of their familiarity with the local terrain and communities to evade security forces.
Security agencies are intensifying efforts to identify and dismantle the criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents across the state.
