In a swift and decisive operation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims in Taraba State, following a daring offensive against suspected kidnappers.
The victims, who were abducted on Saturday, August 3, 2025, along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road, were freed in two phases during a coordinated search and rescue mission carried out on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operation saw troops engage the abductors in their hideouts. Overwhelmed by superior firepower and sustained military pressure, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding forests.
Four of the abductees were found unhurt in Chinkai Forest on August 5, while the remaining three, all females, were rescued the following day in Owedi Community, Wukari Local Government Area.
The military described the operation as a major success in its ongoing campaign against criminal elements operating in Taraba State. The rescue, which involved precise intelligence and tactical maneuvers, underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
Commander of the 6 Brigade / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, adding that the Brigade remains resolute in its mission to rid Taraba State of kidnappers and other criminal gangs.
"This successful operation is a testament to our unrelenting drive to secure communities, protect citizens, and dismantle the networks of criminality threatening the peace of our people," he stated.
Residents have expressed relief at the outcome and praised the Nigerian Army for its swift response and ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the region.