Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue operation in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims were freed during a fighting patrol launched in response to credible intelligence on kidnapping activities around the Lande Jessi general area.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of July 26, 2026, followed reports that armed criminals had attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two residents and making away with food items.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, said troops acted on actionable intelligence to launch targeted search-and-rescue operations across key locations in the area.
He said the troops successfully rescued the two victims, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who had reportedly been held captive for about one week.
Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism and resilience during the operation.
He said the successful rescue demonstrated the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State.
According to the commander, the operation is in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to intensify efforts against criminal elements and restore lasting peace in affected communities across the country.
Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant in denying criminal groups the freedom to operate within their area of responsibility.
He also reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.
