Army Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims In Taraba

The Nigerian Army has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes in Taraba state, with troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) rescuing two abducted victims during a coordinated fighting patrol in Lau Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence and activities of suspected kidnappers in the Lande Jessi general area.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the troops swiftly mobilized after receiving reports that armed criminals had attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, where they abducted two residents and looted food items.

The statement disclosed that the troops carried out targeted search-and-rescue operations across strategic locations within the affected area, leading to the successful rescue of the victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu.

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The victims, who were reportedly held in captivity for about one week, regained their freedom without further details being released on the circumstances surrounding their rescue or the whereabouts of the kidnappers.

Military authorities described the operation as another indication of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating across Taraba State and other parts of the North-East and North-Central regions under Operation Whirl Stroke.

Commending the troops, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised their professionalism, resilience, and prompt response, noting that their actions reflected the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said the successful operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to decisively combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality while restoring lasting peace and security across the country.

Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of movement within their areas of responsibility.

The brigade commander also reassured residents of Taraba State of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and protecting communities from criminal attacks.

He appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to the success of ongoing military operations against criminal networks.