Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, have again rescued six kidnapped victims, including a child, in Taraba State.
The rescue took place in the early hours of October 2, 2025, as part of ongoing security operations under the banner of Operation Lafiya Nakowa, aimed at clearing criminal elements from the state.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, the victims were abducted on October 2 when suspected kidnappers ambushed a Toyota Carina II travelling from Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
The attackers, according to the statement, forced the vehicle to a stop near an abandoned checkpoint and took the passengers into the bush.
“Acting on a credible tip-off, troops and police personnel quickly mobilised and launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area. Their efforts led to the safe recovery of six hostages, including the vehicle’s driver and five passengers,” the statement read.
The rescued individuals were identified as an unnamed baby, Mr Terna Gbaya, Mr Musa Adamu, Mrs Rose Sor, Mrs Lydia Vyiashima, and Mrs Comfort Iyofar.
All the victims, as stated by the army, have since been reunited with their families, while security forces continue to track the kidnappers and search for any other possible victims still in captivity.
The Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and rapid response of the joint forces. He emphasised the brigade’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Taraba State.
General Uwa also called on residents to support military and police operations by providing timely and credible information that could aid in flushing out criminal elements from the state.
