TROOPS of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven have rescued a 12-year-old boy in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, three years after he was reportedly sold by his uncle.
The spokesperson for the operation, Major Samson Zhakom, disclosed this today during a press briefing. He said the rescue followed a successful raid on a criminal hideout in the Riyom area.
“On July 22, 2025, troops rescued a 12-year-old boy during a raid on criminal hideouts in the Riyom general area. Investigations revealed that he was sold by his uncle, who is now on the run,” Zhakom stated.
The boy has since been handed over to the Councillor representing Zamko Ward in Langtang North LGA for onward reunification with his family.
In a separate operation in Wase LGA, troops recovered arms and ammunition after engaging suspected bandits along the Kampani-Kombodoro road. Acting on credible intelligence, the soldiers laid an ambush near Jeb Community.
“In the early hours of July 24, our troops exchanged fire with the bandits, forcing them to flee. We recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” Zhakom said.
He confirmed that the recovered weapons are now in military custody, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.