Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued three kidnap victims and foiled an abduction attempt in Chanchanji village, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a statement released by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, the incident occurred during a routine patrol and picketing mission along the Takum–Chanchangi Road.

The troops encountered suspected armed bandits near the Uko community axis who had abducted three individuals traveling in a vehicle. Upon sighting the soldiers, the kidnappers fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning their captives.

The military personnel engaged the criminals in a brief exchange of gunfire, forcing them deeper into the bush. Among those rescued was Alhaji Ali, the Sarki Pawa of Takum, a prominent local leader.

While the victims were rescued unharmed, the abductors escaped with the car key and two mobile phones belonging to the victims. The vehicle was successfully recovered at the scene.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their swift response and urged the public to provide credible intelligence to support military operations against criminal elements in the region.

In a related development, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has condemned a separate attack on Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido LGA, describing the incident as "horrendous and unacceptable." The governor emphasized that such violence undermines the state's development efforts.

The successful rescue operation highlights ongoing security challenges in Taraba State and demonstrates the military's commitment to combating kidnapping and banditry in the region.