Troops rescue two kidnap victims in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued two kidnap victims abducted by suspected gunmen in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State following a swift intelligence-led operation.

The acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Jalingo.

According to him, the rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Saturday after troops received credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Lande Jessi axis of Lau LGA.

“The troops received reports that armed men attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and carting away food items. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched, leading to the successful rescue of the victims,” Muhammad said.

The rescued victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, had reportedly spent about one week in captivity before regaining their freedom unharmed.

Muhammad noted that security forces were continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response.

“The troops have once again demonstrated professionalism, courage and resilience in responding swiftly to credible intelligence and rescuing the victims. This operation is another demonstration of the military’s resolve to protect lives and property,” Akaliro said.

He added that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across the country.

He also appealed to residents of Taraba State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime.

The rescue is part of the Nigerian Army’s intensified intelligence-driven operations across Taraba State aimed at improving security and protecting communities from criminal activities.