Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Victims After Week in Captivity in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped victims in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a targeted search-and-rescue operation in the Lande Jessi general area.

The victims were rescued in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, during a fighting patrol launched in response to credible intelligence on kidnapping activities in the area.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation followed reports that armed criminal elements had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducted two people and carted away food items.

The latest rescue operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt criminal activities and protect communities in parts of Taraba State that have continued to face threats from kidnappers and other armed criminal groups.

In a statement, the Brigade's Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, said the troops acted on credible and actionable intelligence before launching targeted search-and-rescue operations across key locations in the general area.

The operation eventually led to the successful location and rescue of the two victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu.

The Army said the two men had reportedly been held in captivity for about a week before their rescue.

The statement did not provide details on the condition of the victims at the time they were rescued or disclose whether any arrests were made during the operation.

It also did not state whether the suspected kidnappers engaged the troops in a gun battle or whether any weapons were recovered.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response and what he described as professionalism and resilience during the operation.

Akaliro said the successful rescue demonstrated the troops commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements do not operate freely within the brigade's area of responsibility.

He also linked the operation to the broader mandate of Operation Whirl Stroke and the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to decisively tackle criminality and restore lasting peace across the country.

The commander urged troops to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of action within their areas of responsibility.

The Brigade commander also reassured residents that the Nigerian Army remained committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and supporting efforts to restore security in affected communities.

He appealed to members of the public to continue working with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist troops in preventing criminal activities and responding swiftly to threats.

The latest rescue comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Taraba State, where authorities have intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

For the rescued victims and their families, however, the operation brings a measure of relief after what the Army described as about a week in captivity.

The Nigerian Army said its troops would continue operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.