Army Foils Kidnap Attempt, Rescues Two On Taraba Highway
By HALIMA TAKWAS
Nigerian Army Troops Disrupt Kidnap Plot, Rescue Two in Taraba
TROOPS of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have successfully foiled a kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Wukari–Ikyior Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, rescuing two victims during a swift security operation.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Umar Muhammad, the incident occurred on Friday when suspected criminals blocked the busy road and launched an attack on commuters.
The statement explained that soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari responded immediately after receiving distress calls from road users and residents. Upon arrival at the scene, the troops encountered the assailants, who fled into nearby bushes on sighting the military personnel.
“The attackers abandoned their victims and escaped with their motorcycle,” Muhammad said, adding that the quick response of the troops prevented the situation from escalating further.
The rescued victims were identified as Terso Kerso, aged 48, and Udongu Terbo, aged 42, both indigenes of the Ikyior community in Wukari Local Government Area. Army officials said the men were found unconscious at the scene and were promptly evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari, where they are currently receiving medical care.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Nigerian Army intensified patrols and surveillance operations along the Wukari–Ikyior axis to prevent further criminal activity and reassure residents of improved security.
The Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and timely intervention, noting that their actions likely saved lives. He reiterated the army’s commitment to proactive security operations and called on the public to continue sharing timely and credible information with security agencies.
