By Esther Ososanya
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Monday neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a failed ransom pickup along the Jos–Makurdi road in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation followed the abduction of Corporal Munyal Abdullahi, a member of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, who was kidnapped on Saturday, August 2, while travelling to Abuja.
According to verified field sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, troops from Sector 6 of OPSH, in collaboration with the EIB STRATOC team, launched a precise rescue and interception mission after intelligence was received about the victim’s location and the ransom plan.
At approximately 5:35 p.m., the troops intercepted one of the suspects moving with a bag suspected to contain part of the ₦500,000 ransom. He was observed heading towards a Point of Sale (POS) shop before diverting through a bush path in a bid to link up with his accomplices.
Upon realising he was under surveillance, the suspect raised an alarm, prompting other members of the gang to flee. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects and engaged them, killing three during the encounter.
Items recovered at the scene include:
- ₦312,000 in cash
- Three mobile phones
- Two knives
- One AirPod device
In the chaos that followed, Corporal Abdullahi reportedly seized the opportunity to escape captivity and rejoined his unit unharmed.
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Military sources described the operation as a “targeted and successful counter-kidnap intervention”, affirming that the Nigerian Army remains committed to dismantling kidnapping networks in Plateau and other troubled zones.
Efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate are ongoing.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
