The Nigerian Army has rescued two kidnapped victims in Taraba state during a coordinated operation by troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Lau local government area.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the Lande Jessi general area.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, troops were deployed after reports that armed criminals had attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and carting away food items.

The statement said the troops conducted targeted search-and-rescue operations across strategic locations in the area, leading to the successful rescue of the victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu.

The victims, who were reportedly held captive for about one week, were freed during the operation. The Army, however, did not disclose whether any arrests were made or the whereabouts of the suspected kidnappers.

The military described the operation as another demonstration of its determination to sustain the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in Taraba State and adjoining areas under Operation Whirl Stroke.

Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, saying their actions underscored the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said the successful operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to intensify efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities while restoring lasting peace across the country.

Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of action within their areas of responsibility.

He also reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations against criminal networks.