Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Victims in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, rescue two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation takes place in the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026, in the Lande Jessi general area, following credible intelligence on the activities of armed criminal elements in the area.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, armed men had earlier invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities, abducting two residents and making away with food items.

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops launched targeted search-and-rescue operations across key locations within the general area, where they successfully located and rescued two kidnapped victims,” the statement reads.

The rescued victims are identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who had reportedly been held captive for about one week. Both have since been reunited with their families.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commends the troops for their swift response, professionalism, and resilience, describing the operation as a demonstration of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Taraba State.

Brigadier General Akaliro says the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to decisively confront criminality and restore lasting peace across the country. He urges troops to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of movement within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

The Nigerian Army says security operations remain ongoing across Taraba State as troops work to track down the perpetrators of the abduction.