Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued three victims during a swift, intelligence-driven operation in Taraba State.
The operation was carried out on January 5, 2026, after troops deployed at Jeb Jeb town received credible intelligence indicating the movement and activities of suspected kidnappers in Sangai Village, Bachama Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, the soldiers were immediately mobilised and moved to track the suspects as they attempted to escape toward the Taraba–Plateau border axis.
According to a statement issued by the Brigade Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding area upon sighting the advancing troops. The timely response led to the successful rescue of Nimron Umar, aged 25, Abafaras Ibrahim, aged 20, and Habila Yunusa, aged 23.
The rescued victims are currently in military custody, where they are receiving necessary care and undergoing documentation procedures before being reunited with their families.
Commending the troops for what he described as professionalism, speed and dedication to duty, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to sustain offensive operations across Taraba State.
He said the goal remains to deny criminal elements freedom of action and to ensure lasting peace and security within the state and its surrounding areas.
The Brigade Commander also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations.
What you should know
The successful rescue operation in Taraba highlights the increasing reliance of the Nigerian Army on intelligence-led responses to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.
By acting swiftly on credible information, troops were able to prevent the abduction from escalating and ensure the safety of the victims without confrontation.
Security authorities continue to stress that community cooperation is essential for sustaining these gains and improving safety across vulnerable border communities.
