Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Bokkos, have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued three victims along the Sha-Daffo Road in Daffo District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation, which took place at about 9:40 p.m. yesterday, followed a distress report on suspected kidnapping activities along the route.

The troops swiftly responded, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding area.

The rescued victims were identified as Haruna Rabiu, 42; Mary Joseph, 25; and Bridget Gideon, 29. They reportedly sustained minor injuries and were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman for OPEP, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the troops were continuing to take deliberate measures to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

Oteh appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies with timely information, adding that efforts had commenced to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Also, the Nigerian Army has continued its civil-military intervention programmes with the commissioning of a solar-powered, fully furnished 30-seater computer laboratory at Agunbiade Victory High School, Magbon, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The facility, commissioned under the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Project, is equipped with computers and high-speed internet access.

The COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, said the project would improve access to digital learning resources for students and residents of Magbon and adjoining communities.

Shaibu said the facility would provide a suitable environment for teaching, learning, research and innovation, while enhancing computer literacy and digital skills among beneficiaries.

He urged the school management, community and relevant authorities to take ownership of the facility and ensure its security, maintenance and continued functionality.

The project’s benefactor, Major General Ismail Dapo Oloyede, expressed gratitude to the COAS for supporting his long-held desire to give back to his alma mater.

Oloyede said the school played an important role in shaping his life and expressed hope that the facility would promote learning, innovation, creativity and development among students.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Mohammed Etsu Indaghi, said the CIMIC Special Intervention Project was designed to strengthen the Army’s relationship with communities while honouring senior military officers in recognition of their service to the nation.

He said projects under the scheme included interventions in healthcare, provision of potable water, construction and renovation of schools, roads and bridges.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the intervention, saying the provision of computers, solar power and internet access would help ensure that the school kept pace with developments in digital education.

The event was attended by serving and retired senior military officers, officials of the state Ministry of Education, traditional rulers, members of the Old Students Association, and staff and students of the school.
Photo and Caption: COAS, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu