Troops rescue two kidnap victims during fighting patrol in Taraba 

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The rescue operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating 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 launched the operation after receiving reports that armed criminals had attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and making away with food items.

The statement said the troops conducted targeted search-and-rescue operations across the area, leading to the successful rescue of the two victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu. The victims were reportedly held captive for about one week before their rescue.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism, and resilience, describing the operation as a demonstration of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Taraba State.

Akaliro said the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to decisively tackle criminality and restore lasting peace across the country.

He urged the troops to sustain the ongoing operations and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of movement within their area of responsibility.

The brigade commander also reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.