Two kidnapped victims have been rescued by the Nigerian army in Taraba state.
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke carried out the operation in the early hours of Sunday in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed criminals around the Lande Jessi general area.
In a post on X on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the troops responded swiftly after reports that criminal elements had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities, where they abducted two persons and stole food items.
During the search-and-rescue operation, the troops successfully located and rescued the victims identified as Mr Usman Mohammed and Mr Usman Harusu, who had allegedly spent about one week in captivity.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property in 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 was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to decisively tackle criminal activities and restore peace across the country.
He urged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of action within their 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 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.
The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families, while troops continue operations aimed at improving security in affected communities.
