Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Taraba, foil abduction attempt

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued three victims unharmed in Chanchanji village, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation occurred during a routine patrol and picketing mission along the Takum–Chanchangi Road.

As the troops approached the Uko community axis, they encountered suspected armed bandits who had abducted three individuals traveling in a vehicle.

According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, the sight of the troops caused the kidnappers to flee into the surrounding forest, abandoning their captives.

The soldiers gave chase and exchanged brief gunfire with the criminals, forcing them to retreat deeper into the bush.

Among the rescued victims was Alhaji Ali, the Sarki Pawa of Takum. The abductors, however, managed to escape with the car key and two mobile phones belonging to the victims. The vehicle was recovered at the scene.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their swift response and urged the public to provide credible intelligence to aid military operations against criminality.

Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas condemned a separate attack on Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido LGA, describing the incident as “horrendous and unacceptable.”

He stressed that such violence only hampers the state’s development.

Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Taraba, foil abduction attempt