Troops free two abducted persons in Taraba operation

Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a fighting patrol in Taraba State's Lau Local Government Area, resulting in the rescue of two kidnapped victims.

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This operation was carried out on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after the army received credible intelligence about armed criminals in the Lande Jessi general area.

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According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the troops swiftly responded to reports of criminal elements invading Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities, where they abducted two people and stole food items.

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During the search-and-rescue operation, the troops successfully located and freed the victims, identified as Mr Usman Mohammed and Mr Usman Harusu, who had spent about one week in captivity.

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Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their swift response and professionalism, stating that the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Army's commitment to protecting lives and property in Taraba State.

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Akaliro noted that the successful rescue was a clear demonstration of the troops' commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state, and that the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

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The Brigade Commander urged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of action within their area of responsibility, stating "We must continue to maintain the tempo and ensure that criminal elements have no space to operate within our area of responsibility).

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Akaliro reassured residents of the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and called for continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information.

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The rescued victims, Mr Usman Mohammed and Mr Usman Harusu, were subsequently reunited with their families, while troops continue operations aimed at improving security in affected communities.