Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have launched an operation against suspected kidnappers operating in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba, while assuring commuters of improved safety on major roads in the state.
The army disclosed that the operation followed a swift response by troops to gunshots heard on Jan. 29 along the Kasuwan Shanu–Jootar Road, near a police checkpoint in Wukari.
According to the brigade, troops arrived at the scene to find a Sharon bus with registration number LSR 445 XT (Lagos) conveying nine passengers.
The driver of the vehicle, Mr Abdul Amukama, a 45-year-old man from Makurdi, was discovered with a gunshot wound on his right hand.
Preliminary findings indicated that two passengers had been forcefully abducted by suspected kidnappers before the arrival of the troops.
The army said troops of 6 Brigade immediately launched aggressive search-and-rescue operations in the surrounding area to secure the release of the abducted victims, adding that the operation was ongoing with sustained pressure on the criminals.
The injured driver was evacuated to the General Hospital in Wukari, where he is receiving medical attention, while the vehicle involved has been recovered and secured.
Commenting on the incident, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.
Uwa reassured residents and road users of the brigade’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, urging commuters to go about their lawful activities without fear.
He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations across the state.
