Troops rescue 2 hostages in Taraba operation

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 -Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Taraba State.  

Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, who disclosed this in a statement on 26 July 2026 said the well-coordinated offensive operation was conducted in response to credible intelligence on kidnapping activities within the Lande Jessi general area in Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State. 

“The operation, which took place in the early hours of 26 July 2026, followed reports that armed criminal elements had invaded Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages, abducting two people and carting away food items,” the statement read.

"Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops launched targeted search-and-rescue operations across key locations within the general area, where they successfully located and rescued two kidnapped victims identified as Mr Usman Mohammed and Mr Usman Harusu, who had reportedly been held in captivity for about a week.

"The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism, and resilience in the conduct of the operation.  

"He noted that the successful rescue is a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state.

"The Commander further emphasized that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, to decisively eliminate all forms of criminality and restore lasting peace across the country. 

"He urged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant in denying criminal elements freedom of action within their area of responsibility.

“Brigadier General Akaliro also reassured members of the public of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information.”