By Kingsley Omonobi
In a coordinated effort over the weekend, soldiers from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), collaborated with Nigeria Police personnel to successfully free six individuals, including an infant, who had been abducted in Benue State.
Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the unit’s spokesperson, explained that this rescue mission is part of the broader security initiative known as Operation Lafiya Nakowa, which focuses on clearing threats in Taraba State and its environs.
According to Lieutenant Muhammad, “On October 2, 2025, a group of suspected kidnappers stopped a Toyota Carina II traveling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State. They forced the vehicle to halt near a deserted checkpoint and abducted all occupants.”
He added, “The captives were taken into the nearby forest by the armed assailants.”
Responding promptly to an intelligence tip-off, the 6 Brigade troops, alongside police forces, launched a thorough search operation in the area.
Their swift and coordinated action resulted in the liberation of six hostages: the driver and five passengers.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Mr. Terna Gbaya, aged 43; Mr. Musa Adamu, 55; Mrs. Rose Sor, 35; Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, 40; Mrs. Comfort Iyofar, 60; and a baby.
All victims have since been safely returned to their families.
Efforts to locate the kidnappers and any other potential captives remain ongoing, with search and rescue teams actively pursuing leads.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, praised the rapid mobilization and effective collaboration between the military and police forces that made the rescue possible.
He reiterated the Brigade’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property within Taraba State and encouraged the public to continue providing timely and reliable information to support security operations across the region.