Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Taraba State. The operation, which took place in the early hours of 26 July 2026, was launched in response to credible intelligence on kidnapping activities within the Lande Jessi general area of Lau Local Government Area (LGA).
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Rescue
According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, the well-coordinated offensive operation was conducted after reports emerged that armed criminal elements had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages. The criminals abducted two individuals and also carted away food items during the raid.
“The operation, which took place in the early hours of 26 July 2026, followed reports that armed criminal elements had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two people and carting away food items,” the statement read. “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 identified as Mr Usman Mohammed and Mr Usman Harusu, who had reportedly been held in captivity for about a week.”
Commended Troops for Professional Conduct
The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism, and resilience during the operation. He noted that the successful rescue is a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state.
Brig Gen Akaliro further emphasized that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, to decisively eliminate all forms of criminality and restore lasting 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.
Call for Public Cooperation
The commander also reassured members of the public of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens. He encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information. The successful rescue of the two victims after a week in captivity underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between the military and local communities in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities in Taraba State.
