Troops rescue kidnapped victim, arrest suspect in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued a kidnapped victim, Alhaji Ali Adamu, during an operation in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted under the codename Operation Lafiya Nakowa, is part of ongoing efforts to flush out bandits and criminal elements across the state.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the rescue followed a distress call received by troops in Lau, reporting the abduction of Alhaji Adamu, who was kidnapped while sleeping outside his compound.
“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops mobilised and launched a hot pursuit of the kidnappers. On realising that the troops were closing in, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into nearby bushes,” the statement said.
The Army said the rescued victim was reunited with his family without ransom payment.
In a related development, local vigilantes and hunters on patrol around Maraban Kunini apprehended a suspected kidnapper identified as 30-year-old Lalau Adamu, believed to have participated in the abduction.
“Upon arrival at the scene, troops discovered that the suspect had sustained injuries from mob action. He was immediately evacuated under military protection to a medical facility for treatment, while further investigation continues,” the statement added.
The Commander, 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift response and effective coordination among troops, vigilantes, and local hunters, which led to the successful rescue operation.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that the success of Operation Lafiya Nakowa depended on the cooperation and trust of the people.
“Troops will continue to maintain their tempo and remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure the safety and security of all citizens while sustaining the resolve to rid Taraba State of criminal elements,” Uwa said.
