By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, including a child, during a coordinated operation in Taraba State. The rescue, which took place in the early hours of October 2, 2025, was part of the ongoing clearance operations across the state under Operation LAFIYA NAKOWA, designed to eliminate terrorist and criminal threats in the region.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the rescue followed a swift response to a distress call after armed kidnappers intercepted a Toyota Carina II vehicle travelling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State. The criminals reportedly halted the vehicle around an abandoned checkpoint and whisked the passengers into the bush.
“Acting on a timely tip-off, troops of 6 Brigade, in conjunction with the Police, swiftly mobilized and combed the general area. Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of six persons, comprising the driver and five passengers,” Lieutenant Muhammad stated.
The rescued victims have been identified as Mr. Terna Gbaya (43 years), Mr. Musa Adamu (55 years), Mrs. Rose Sor (35 years), Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima (40 years), Mrs. Comfort Iyofar (60 years), and a baby. They have since been safely reunited with their families.
The statement added that search and rescue operations are still ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that any other victims still in captivity are freed.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and Police personnel for their professionalism and swift coordination, which he said led to the successful outcome of the mission. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining security operations across Taraba State to protect lives and property.
“Brigade 6 remains steadfast in ensuring that peace and normalcy are restored to every part of Taraba State. We will continue to work closely with other security agencies to eliminate criminal elements threatening the safety of law-abiding citizens,” General Uwa assured.
He further appealed to members of the public to continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid ongoing operations.
