Troops rescue Plateau woman from kidnappers, recover N8m ransom

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian Army troops have rescued a woman kidnapped from Bauna area of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State and recovered N8 million ransom already paid to her abductors by her family for her release.

Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE revealed this in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the woman was rescued by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE deployed in Sector 9 Shendam during a coordinated operation on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

​Oteh said the rescue operation of the woman who was abducted on 19 April 2026 followed rigorous intelligence gathering and interrogation of an arrested suspect who confessed to being part of the gang that kidnapped her.

Following the confession, troops were able to identify a location at Padam Forest in Quanpan Local Government Area of Plateau State where the woman was found and rescued.

According to the statement, the troops also recovered the sum of eight million Naira that has been paid by the victim’s family as a ransom to the kidnappers.

The Army spokesperson said the money has been given back to the family of the victim.

“Following the rescue, the victim underwent a thorough medical checkup at the general hospital Shendam to ensure her well-being before being officially reunited with her family. The ransom amount of 8 million Naira was returned to the family” Oteh said

The statement also indicated that troops are currently conducting exploitation operations of the kidnappers’ hideouts within Quanpan and Shendam LGAs of Plateau to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

“Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the citizenry for their support and calls for more timely information that would assist in maintaining peace and security in the Joint Operations Area.

“The operation underscores the military’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and protection of citizens within Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area,” Oteh said.