Kidnapped Taraba varsity lecturer Saleh rescued

Kidnapped Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh, has been rescued unhurt by troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

The lecturer was abducted on July 31 along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

His rescue followed a joint operation based on actionable intelligence across several locations including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and Warawa.

A statement on Sunday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, informed that during the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the victim.

“In a daring and well-coordinated operation, troops of 6 Brigade, NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have successfully rescued Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University.

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area.

“During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim. Engineer Saleh was found unharmed and promptly rescued.”

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for the feat.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.