This is a powerful reminder of both the bravery of the troops on the ground and the volatile security situation still affecting parts of Plateau State and the broader North Central region.
Here are a few key points and implications from this latest development:
The response by 3 Division, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) was quick and strategic:
- The abandoned vehicle at Mararaban Kantoma was a critical clue.
- Immediate bush combing and engagement led to the successful rescue of all 16 hostages, including 6 children.
- The troops’ superior firepower forced the kidnappers to flee without harming the victims further, which is a big win given how brutal such encounters can often turn out.
The detail about troops providing first aid on the spot and ensuring safe passage to Jos shows an understanding that successful operations aren’t just about confrontation—they’re about humanity and follow-through. It also helps restore civilian confidence in the military.
The Jos–Mangu axis has long been a flashpoint, often due to a mix of:
- Banditry and ransom kidnappings
- Ethno-religious tensions
- Poor rural policing infrastructure
This operation highlights the importance of persistent military presence, but also raises the question: How sustainable is it to rely on military units for internal security instead of better-equipped and localized police forces?
Major Zhakom’s note about the hunt for fleeing kidnappers—who may be injured—suggests that intelligence gathering and community cooperation will be key in the next steps. Injured criminals may seek refuge in nearby communities or forests, so timely tips could help round them up.
While this was a textbook rescue, the underlying causes of insecurity remain:
- Poor road surveillance
- Sparse law enforcement in rural corridors
- A profitable kidnapping-for-ransom industry still largely intact
Final Thoughts:
It’s heartening to hear of a rescue where every hostage made it out alive, especially the children. That’s not always the case. But this win, while significant, also underscores how urgent it is to shift from reaction to prevention.
What’s your sense—do these military successes build long-term confidence, or is it like patching a leaking roof while the storm is still raging?