Security operatives storm Plateau forest hideout, free hostage, seize cash

Security agencies in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have dismantled a kidnapping ring, arresting two suspects, recovering ₦8 million ransom, and freeing a woman held in a forest hideout.

Local officials confirmed that the operation followed coordinated intelligence work by joint security teams operating within the area.

The suspects, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma, are alleged to have carried out a deadly attack in which Alhaji Saidu Mamma was killed. His daughter was abducted during the incident, after which the attackers reportedly demanded and received ₦8 million from the family.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the media aide to the Qua’an Pan Local Government Chairman, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, security operatives tracked and arrested the suspects and retrieved the full ransom sum.

Presenting the suspects and recovered cash, the council chairman, Hon. Dr Christopher Audu Manship, praised the operation and reaffirmed a tough stance on crime.

He said criminal groups would not be allowed to operate in the area or use it as a safe haven after committing offences elsewhere.

“We will not allow criminals to operate in Qua’an Pan or use this local government as a hiding place after committing crimes in neighbouring councils or states,” he stated.

He also directed that the recovered ₦8 million be returned to the bereaved family of Alhaji Saidu Mamma.

In a separate operation, security personnel rescued Mrs Gambo Bello, who had been abducted in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and moved into the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan.

Authorities said intelligence on unusual movement within the reserve led to a search-and-rescue mission.

Mrs Bello, recounting her experience, said she spent more than a week in captivity before troops stormed the hideout.

“The security men came and exchanged gunfire with them. After some time, the kidnappers ran away and the operatives rescued me from the bush,” she said.

Chairman Manship disclosed that this marked the third successful operation in which kidnappers had been arrested and ransom recovered in the area, alongside other arrests.

He credited the outcomes to improved collaboration among security agencies and what he described as divine assistance, while also commending Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting security efforts.

He further pledged to tighten surveillance across border communities linking Qua’an Pan with neighbouring councils and states to curb criminal infiltration.