Plateau State Kidnap Suspects Arrested in Military Raid, Soldier Attacked

In a daring operation, troops from Sector 1 of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities. The arrests were made during a targeted raid on a suspected hideout located in Mista-Ali, within the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. This operation, which took place at approximately 5:30 p.m. on August 14, 2026, was initiated following the receipt of credible intelligence regarding the suspects' activities. The identified suspects, Umar Aliyu, aged 25; Abdulrahman Adam, also 25; and Bello Isa, 21, were taken into custody. However, the operation was not without incident, as two additional suspects managed to evade capture, with one of them attacking and stabbing a soldier, Corporal Muhammad Adam, with a knife during his escape attempt. The injured soldier was promptly transported to the General Hospital in Mista-Ali for medical attention. A thorough search of the residences belonging to the apprehended suspects was conducted, although no incriminating items were discovered. The three suspects are currently being held in military custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations into their alleged roles in kidnapping operations within the area. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, this development underscores the persistent efforts of security forces to dismantle criminal networks and prevent the establishment of kidnapper hideouts in communities across Plateau State.