Troops recover two kidnap victims during Taraba patrol

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued two men who were abducted by suspected criminals in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The rescue followed a fighting patrol conducted in the early hours of Sunday after security operatives received intelligence on the movement of armed gangs around the Lande Jessi axis.

According to a statement posted on X by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operation was launched after reports that armed men attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities, abducted two residents and carted away food supplies.

During the mission, soldiers located the captives, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who were said to have spent about a week in the kidnappers’ custody before being freed.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, praised the troops for their prompt action and professionalism during the operation.

He said the outcome reflected the military’s determination to ensure the safety of residents across Taraba State.

“The successful rescue is a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state,” Akaliro said.

The brigade commander added that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to intensify the fight against criminal groups and restore peace nationwide.

He urged soldiers to remain focused and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

“We must continue to maintain the tempo and ensure that criminal elements have no space to operate within our area of responsibility,” he said.

Akaliro also assured residents that the Nigerian Army would continue to protect law-abiding citizens and appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing prompt and credible intelligence.

The two rescued men have since been reunited with their families, while troops continue security operations across vulnerable communities in the state.