Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully rescued two kidnap victims during a fighting patrol in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Lande Jessi general area.
According to a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, security operatives swiftly mobilized after receiving reports that armed criminals had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities.
The attackers reportedly abducted two residents during the raid and carted away food items before fleeing the area.
During the subsequent search-and-rescue operation, troops located and safely rescued the victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who had allegedly spent about one week in captivity.
The Army said the victims were rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families after receiving necessary attention.
Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and swift response that led to the successful rescue mission.
He described the operation as another demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s determination to protect lives and property across Taraba State and other areas affected by criminal activities.
According to the Brigade Commander, the rescue operation aligns with the directive of the Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who has tasked military formations nationwide with intensifying efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.
Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements the freedom to operate within their areas of responsibility.
He also reassured residents of Taraba State that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens and maintaining peace across the state.
The commander appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that would assist in tracking down criminal elements and preventing future attacks.
Military authorities disclosed that troops have continued clearance operations in the affected communities and surrounding areas to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and to prevent further criminal activities.
The latest rescue operation adds to ongoing security efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke, which has intensified operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry across Taraba and neighbouring states in the North-Central region.
Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts continue to restore lasting peace and security throughout the state.
