Plateau Security Forces Bust Kidnap Gang, Rescue Victim, and Recover N8m Ransom

Timescope News 

Joint security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers, recovered N8 million in ransom, and rescued an abducted woman from a forest hideout.

The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan LGA, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, signed by his media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus. The statement identified the arrested suspects as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma.

According to the authorities, the suspects allegedly killed Alhaji Saidu Mamma during a kidnapping operation and abducted his daughter. They subsequently demanded and collected an N8 million ransom. However, a coordinated operation by joint security agencies led to the suspects’ arrest and the full recovery of the ransom.

Speaking during the parade of the suspects and the presentation of the recovered money, Chairman Manship declared zero tolerance for criminality in the area. He commended the security agencies for their professionalism, diligence, and gallantry.

“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,” Manship said.

He ordered that the recovered N8 million be returned to the family of the late Alhaji Saidu Mamma.

In a related development, the joint security operatives rescued Mrs. Gambo Bello and reunited her with her family. Mrs. Bello was reportedly kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East LGA of Nasarawa State, and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan.

Manship said intelligence reports on suspicious movement within the reserve prompted him to direct security personnel to comb the bush, leading to her rescue. Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Bello said she spent over a week in captivity. “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.

Manship noted that this latest operation marks the third time kidnappers have been arrested and ransom recovered in Qua’an Pan, aside from several other arrests. He attributed the successes to divine intervention and the collaborative efforts of security agencies. The council boss also expressed gratitude to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for supporting efforts to strengthen the area’s security architecture and vowed to secure all border communities to prevent criminal infiltration.

The statement added that security operatives responsible for protecting lives and property in the area were present during the briefing.