Six people, including a baby, have been rescued by Nigerian security forces during a joint military and police operation in Taraba State, part of the ongoing “Lafiya Nakowa” mission.
According to a statement released on Saturday, troops from the 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside police officers, successfully freed the hostages on 2 October.
The victims — a driver and five passengers — were abducted after armed kidnappers intercepted their Toyota Carina II vehicle on the road linking Katsina-Ala in Benue State to Taraba.
A swift search-and-rescue mission led to their safe recovery.
The rescued individuals were identified as Mr. Terna Gbaya (43), Mr. Musa Adamu (55), Mrs. Rose Sor (35), Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima (40), Mrs. Comfort Iyofar (60), and a baby. All have since been reunited with their families.
Commander of the 6th Brigade, General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the coordinated efforts of the security forces and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The operations are continuing to track down the kidnappers and any other potential victims,” he said.
The rescue operation is part of broader efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat rising incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in the country’s central and northeastern regions. Taraba, located in the centre-east of Nigeria, has seen repeated attacks on travellers in recent months, prompting heightened military presence and joint operations in the area.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the search for the kidnappers continues. The successful operation is being seen as a significant boost to ongoing security efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating along major highways.
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