Plateau Troops Neutralize Kidnap Kingpin

Troops operating under the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have achieved a significant breakthrough against criminal elements in Plateau State, neutralizing a notorious kidnap kingpin who has been terrorizing the Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area. The successful pre-dawn operation on Monday, December 15, 2025, also resulted in the arrest of three individuals suspected of being informants for the syndicate and the recovery of sophisticated weapons.

The military action was launched in direct response to a surge in criminal activities, specifically a series of multiple abductions that had plagued the Dong community in recent months. A security source, who confirmed the development, cited the recent high-profile case of a youth corps member and her brother who were kidnapped in November. The two were only released after their distressed family was forced to pay millions of naira in ransom, underscoring the severity of the threat posed by the gang.

During the coordinated raid, troops engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout. The encounter resulted in the death of one suspect, who was later identified as a resident of the community believed to have been actively collaborating with the criminal gang. This detail points to the insidious nature of the criminal network, often relying on local complicity to execute their operations.

The troops recovered an arsenal of dangerous weapons from the hideout, including an AK-47 rifle, a fully loaded magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition. The sophisticated nature of the recovered weapons highlights the serious risk faced by residents and the security forces in the region.

The arrested informants, along with the recovered weapons, are currently in military custody. The security source confirmed that follow-up operations are actively underway to track and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who managed to escape during the operation. The military has unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens in Plateau State and urged the public to continue their cooperation by providing timely and credible information to aid their ongoing anti-kidnapping and counter-insurgency efforts. The success of this operation is expected to restore a measure of calm and confidence in the Dong community, which has been severely affected by the persistent menace of kidnappers.