Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have rescued a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly sold to a kidnapping syndicate by his uncle in Plateau State.

The boy, who was reportedly trafficked three years ago, was rescued on Tuesday, July 22, during a raid on criminal hideouts in Riyom Local Government Area. The operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle armed groups operating across the state.

“On 22 July, 2025, troops rescued a 12-year-old boy during raid operations carried out on criminals’ hideouts in Riyom general area,” OPSH Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said in a statement issued Saturday. “Thorough investigation revealed that the boy was sold out 3 years ago by his uncle who is currently at large.”

According to Zhakom, the rescued minor has since been handed over to the Councillor representing Zamko Ward in Langtang North Local Government Area, who is expected to facilitate his reunification with his immediate family.

In a related operation on Friday, July 24, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted a group of bandits along the Kampani-Kombodoro road in Wase LGA. Zhakom said the bandits were spotted riding motorcycles and armed with AK-47 rifles.

“Upon sighting the movement of the bandits, troops laid ambush along identified bandits’ routes and consequently made contact with the bandits and engaged them with heavy volume of fire, forcing the bandits to flee,” he said.

Weapons recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Troops remain on the trail of the fleeing suspects.

Operation SAFE HAVEN, a multi-agency task force, continues to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and security in Plateau and adjoining states in the North Central region.