Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnap victims during a clearance operation in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims, Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, were freed after troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, launched a search-and-rescue operation based on intelligence on the activities of kidnappers in the Lande Jessi area.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Saturday after gunmen reportedly attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducted two residents and carted away food items.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said the victims had spent about one week in captivity before they were rescued.
He said the operation followed “credible and actionable intelligence,” which led troops to the kidnappers’ hideout where the victims were successfully rescued.
The Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops, describing the operation as evidence of their commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The successful rescue is a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state,” Akaliro said.
He added that the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to decisively tackle criminality and restore lasting peace across the country.
Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the offensive against criminal elements and reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing operations.
(The Whistler)