The Nigerian Army has foiled a kidnapping operation along the Wukari–Ikyior Road in Taraba State, rescuing two civilians after responding to an emergency alert.
The intervention was carried out by troops of the 6 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade said the soldiers were mobilised following reports that armed criminals had mounted a roadblock and were attacking commuters.
“Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, successfully disrupted a kidnapping and robbery attempt on 16 January 2026 along the Wukari–Ikyior axis,” the statement read.
It added, “Upon receiving a distress call that criminals had blocked the road and were assaulting civilians, troops from Forward Operating Base Wukari swiftly moved to the location.”
According to the Army, the suspects fled into nearby bushes on sighting the soldiers, abandoning their captives and escaping with their motorcycle.
“The criminals took to their heels immediately they noticed the troops, leaving their victims behind,” the statement noted.
The rescued persons were identified as Terso Kerso, 48, and Udongu Terbo, 42, both residents of Ikyior community in Wukari Local Government Area.
“The victims, who were found unconscious, were promptly evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari, for urgent medical treatment,” the Army said.
Following the incident, security presence in the area has been reinforced.
“Troops have intensified patrols and surveillance within the general area to deter further criminal activities and reassure residents and road users,” the statement added.
Commending the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, described the response as timely and professional.
“The swift action of our troops prevented possible loss of lives,” he said, while reaffirming “the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining proactive operations within the area.”
He also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information.
