Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued six travellers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyin road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when gunmen reportedly intercepted a vehicle travelling from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Captain Polycarp Oteh, said troops under Sector 6 Operation Enduring Peace responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.

According to him, security operatives arrived at the scene and found an ash-coloured Honda vehicle abandoned by the roadside, while its occupants were missing.

“The troops immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes and succeeded in rescuing six victims,” Oteh said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to rescue the driver, who is still believed to be in captivity.

Oteh assured residents that troops were on top of the situation and working to secure the area.

The Hawan Kibo axis has witnessed several security incidents in recent years, prompting increased military operations along the route.