No fewer than 25 children kidnapped in Plateau State have been rescued after weeks in captivity, the state government has announced, crediting the operation to the combined efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
The children were abducted on December 21, 2025, along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Wase Local Government Area while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration.
According to officials, the attackers carried out the abduction around 7 p.m. after posing as vigilantes at a roadside checkpoint
Three other children reportedly escaped during the incident.
Briefing journalists in Jos on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, described the rescue as a major breakthrough in the state’s security operations.
“This afternoon, I am here to inform the public that security agencies were able to rescue our kidnapped children, about 25 of them,” Jatau said.
“They were abducted on December 21 in Wase Local Government Area while travelling for a Maulud celebration. The kidnappers disguised themselves as vigilantes on the road,” he added.
Jatau explained that the children were taken to an undisclosed location, where they were held for several weeks, triggering sustained search-and-rescue efforts by the state government and security agencies.
He disclosed that the victims were eventually tracked and rescued on Wednesday evening and were found to be in stable condition.
“Yesterday evening, the security agencies informed us that all 25 children have been rescued hale and hearty. Out of the 25 children, six are female, and 19 are male,” he stated.
“They have undergone medical examinations and, apart from minor wounds and sores on their feet, they are fine,” Jatau said.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, the Plateau State Government has ordered trauma assessments for the rescued children and will provide financial assistance to aid their recovery and reintegration.
“We have directed the local government to conduct trauma assessments on them. The state government will also support them with a token to ensure they are properly cared for,” he added.
Jatau commended the DSS and other security agencies for their roles in the successful operation, noting that their sustained efforts have continued to improve security across the state.
The rescued children have since been handed over to officials of Wase Local Government Area to facilitate their reunification with their families. Authorities also assured residents that security operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks in Wase and other vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
