Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade and the Nigeria Police have rescued six kidnapped victims, including a baby, in Taraba State. The operation was carried out in the early hours of October 2, 2025, under Operation Lafiya Nakowa, a joint security campaign aimed at tackling banditry and kidnapping in the region.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the rescue followed a swift response to a distress call after suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle along the Katsina-Ala-Wukari Road.
The victims were travelling in a Toyota Carina II from Katsina-Ala, Benue State, when the attackers stopped them near an abandoned checkpoint and took them into the bush.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops from Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke and police personnel quickly mobilized to the area. The joint team launched a search-and-rescue operation that led to the safe recovery of the six hostages.
Those rescued include the driver and five passengers: a baby, Mr. Terna Gbaya, Mr. Musa Adamu, Mrs. Rose Sor, Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, and Mrs. Comfort Iyofar.
All victims have since been reunited with their families. Security forces are still pursuing the kidnappers and searching the area for any other possible victims.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and quick action of the troops and police. He restated the commitment of the military to protect lives and ensure peace across Taraba State.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information about criminal activities in their communities.
Operation Lafiya Nakowa is part of wider efforts by the Nigerian military to address rising insecurity in parts of the North Central and North East regions, where bandit attacks and kidnappings have disrupted daily life and economic activities.
