In a daring midnight raid that sent shockwaves through Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, gallant troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a kidnapped victim, Alhaji Ali Adamu, from the hands of suspected bandits.
The successful operation, carried out under the ongoing counter-insurgency offensive codenamed Operation Lafiya Nakowa, took place in the early hours of October 29, 2025, following a distress call from residents.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the troops responded swiftly after receiving intelligence that the victim had been abducted while sleeping outside his compound.
“Our troops in Lau received a distress call about the abduction of one Alhaji Ali Adamu, who was kidnapped while sleeping outside his residence,” Lt. Muhammad revealed. “Without hesitation, the soldiers immediately mobilized and launched a hot pursuit of the kidnappers into nearby forested areas.”
He said that on realizing the troops were closing in, the kidnappers panicked and abandoned their victim before fleeing into the bush.
“The gallant troops’ rapid response and pressure forced the criminals to abandon the victim,” Lt. Muhammad stated. “The rescued victim was safely reunited with his family, and no ransom was paid.”
In a related development, local vigilantes and hunters patrolling Maraban Kunini also apprehended a 30-year-old suspected kidnapper, identified as Mr. Lalau Adamu, believed to be part of the gang.
“When our troops arrived at the scene, they discovered that the suspect had sustained injuries from mob action,” Muhammad disclosed. “He was immediately evacuated under military protection to a medical facility for treatment. Investigation into his involvement in the abduction is ongoing.”
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and quick response, as well as the cooperation of vigilantes and hunters that led to the successful operation.
“This rescue underscores the effectiveness of community collaboration in tackling security challenges,” General Uwa said. “The synergy between our troops, vigilantes, and local hunters was key to saving the victim’s life.”
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the military with credible intelligence that could help curb crime in the state.
“We urge the people of Taraba to keep assisting the Army and other security agencies with timely information. Together, we will continue to make the state unsafe for criminals,” Uwa assured.
Lt. Umar Muhammad further reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to the safety of citizens.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its determination to rid Taraba and its environs of all forms of criminality,” he affirmed. “Operation Lafiya Nakowa will continue to dismantle every hideout of kidnappers and bandits until peace is fully restored.”
Commander of 6 Brigade / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, hailed the seamless collaboration between troops, vigilantes, and hunters, describing the mission as “a testament to the power of community intelligence and rapid response.”
General Uwa also appealed to residents to continue sharing timely and credible information, assuring that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to crush criminal networks and restore lasting peace across Taraba State.
“Operation Lafiya Nakowa will continue to dismantle every hideout of bandits and kidnappers until Taraba becomes completely safe again,” the Brigade Commander vowed.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and violent crimes, emphasizing that no effort will be spared in protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Troops Storm Taraba Forest, Rescue Kidnapped Victim as Suspect Falls to Mob Justice
