Troops rescue two abducted victims in Taraba

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

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

According to Muhammad, the rescue mission 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.

He said the armed men had attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and making away with food items.

“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,” he said.

The rescued victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, were said to have spent about one week in captivity before they were rescued unharmed.

Muhammad added that security forces had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

Commending the troops, the Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised their professionalism and swift response to credible intelligence.

“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 noted that the successful operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across the country.

Akaliro also urged residents of Taraba State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

The rescue forms part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at improving security and protecting communities across Taraba State.