Soldiers Rescue Two Kidnap Victims In Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, following intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.

The Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out in the early hours of July 26, 2026, after armed criminals reportedly invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages in the Lande Jessi axis, abducting two residents and making away with food items.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, troops launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission based on credible intelligence gathered from the area.

The operation led to the successful rescue of the two victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who were said to have spent about one week in captivity before regaining their freedom.

Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised the troops for their swift response, professionalism and resilience, describing the successful rescue as evidence of the military's resolve to protect lives and property across Taraba State.

Akaliro said the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to intensify efforts against criminal elements and restore lasting peace across the country.

He urged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant to deny criminal groups freedom of movement within their areas of responsibility.

The brigade commander also reassured residents of the Nigerian Army's commitment to ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens, while calling on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations against criminality.