By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive offensive aimed at flushing out criminal hideouts, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued seven kidnap victims abducted along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road in Taraba State. The rescue, carried out during a two-day operation on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August 2025, marks another significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s counter-kidnapping efforts in the region.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the victims had been abducted on 3 August by suspected kidnappers operating along the volatile Chinkai–Kente axis. Troops launched a swift search-and-rescue mission across known criminal enclaves, including Chinkai Forest and Owedi Community in Wukari Local Government Area.
During the combing of Chinkai Forest on Tuesday, 5 August, troops encountered armed kidnappers but forced them to flee, abandoning their captives due to the Army’s superior firepower and sustained offensive pressure. Four victims were recovered unhurt during this phase of the operation.
The mission continued into the next day, 6 August, leading to the rescue of three additional female victims in Owedi Community. All seven victims were safely returned without any casualties, reflecting the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s rescue strategy and the professionalism of its personnel.
Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their swift response and courage under fire. He described the operation as a “major success” in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes plaguing parts of Taraba State.
“This rescue operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and dismantling criminal networks in Taraba,” Brigadier General Uwa said. “We will continue to sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations until kidnapping and banditry are eliminated in our area of responsibility.”
The Nigerian Army has, in recent months, intensified military presence and patrols in the state following a spike in abductions and armed attacks along key road corridors. The latest operation underscores the Army’s resolve to dominate troubled flashpoints and deny criminals the freedom to operate.
Residents of Taraba have been urged to support security forces with credible information to aid ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the state.
