Kidnapping: Troops foil attempt, rescue six victims in Taraba

April 30, 2025

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued victims along the Wukari-Kente road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Wednesday, the incident occurred on April 27, 2025 following a distress call from the Executive Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area regarding an attack on suspected travellers along the Wukari-Kente road.

The troops who were deployed at Forward Operating Base Wukari,  “Responding swiftly, launched a prompt rescue operation to the area and rescued the victims unhurt”.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered an abandoned white Toyota Hilux vehicle with a flat tyre by the roadside. Shortly after, six individuals emerged from the nearby bush, unharmed, and identified themselves as the occupants of the vehicle.

“They revealed that they were en route from Yola to Lafia when armed men, suspected to be kidnappers or armed robbers, launched an attack from the rear of their vehicle, forcing them to flee into the bush for safety.”

After securing the area, the troops assisted in fixing the damaged tyre and ensured the travellers continued their journey safely.

The Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and vigilance, and reassured the public of the Brigade’s unrelenting efforts in maintaining peace and security in Taraba State and its environs.