Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in the late hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2026, foiled an attempted kidnap at the residence of the late General Bagudu in Jebbu Bassa, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Reports quoting military sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00pm when armed men suspected to be Fulani herders stormed the family house.
Acting on a distress call, personnel from Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace were immediately mobilised to the community. They were reinforced by troops of the 3 Division Garrison and Keystone Bassa Division who conducted a rapid response sweep of the area.
The arrival of the joint security team forced the attackers to abandon the operation and flee into surrounding bush.
During a follow-up search, troops arrested one of the fleeing suspects.
He is in custody and undergoing interrogation by security personnel.
“The suspect is being questioned and is expected to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of other members of the gang who escaped,” a military source was quoted as saying.
Security forces have since intensified patrols and cordon-and-search operations in Jebbu Bassa and adjoining communities to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The late General Bagudu was a retired senior officer from Plateau State. The attempted attack on his family home has heightened concerns over the resurgence of kidnapping and banditry in parts of Bassa LGA.
Residents of Jebbu Bassa commended the swift response of the troops, but called for sustained military presence in the area to deter future incursions.
Operation Enduring Peace, the military’s internal security operation in Plateau and environs, said it remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged communities to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
- Media Report