By Muhammad Tanko Shittu

A joint security taskforce code-named Operation Safe Haven has rescued Dadda’u Ahmad, the kidnapped monarch of Pinau Village in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Ishaku Takwa, who confirmed the rescue, said the monarch has since been reunited with his family.

According to a resident of the village, Ubale Pinau, the monarch and his driver were intercepted and abducted on their way to Wase town early Tuesday.

Mr Ubale disclosed that soon after the news of the incident became viral, soldiers posted to the village swung into action and rescued the victims.

According to him, two guns and three motorcycles were recovered during the Rescue Operation.

Also speaking, a local vigilante, Nazifi Abubakar, who is a member of a neighborhood watch in the area, said the rescue operation was jointly carried out with their men.

Mr Abubakar said: “I was with the soldiers during the rescue operation. The traditional ruler has been brought back to the village by soldiers and other members of the neighborhood watch who trailed the kidnappers to the bush.

“Everyone is happy in the village now. T. was an exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the culprits before the victims were rescued.

“The soldiers have tried. We pray to Allah to give them the strength to continue with the good job they are doing,” he said.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Pinau village and adjourning communities have in recent times been terrorized by armed bandits and kidnappers.