Army, DSS Rescue Taraba University Lecturer from Kidnappers

A joint security operation by troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army Sector 3, under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the successful rescue of a kidnapped lecturer from Taraba State University.

The lecturer, Engineer Joshua Saleh, was abducted on July 31, 2025, by suspected criminals along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In a statement released on Sunday, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade, said the operation was carried out based on “credible and actionable intelligence.”

“Acting on the intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations including Kente, Tsondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area,” the statement noted.

During the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel. Overwhelmed by the Army’s superior firepower, the criminals fled, leaving the victim behind. Engineer Saleh was rescued unharmed.

Commander of the 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the team for their swift response and coordination. He praised the troops’ professionalism and effective collaboration with other security agencies.

Reaffirming the Army’s dedication to protecting lives and maintaining peace in Taraba, Brigadier General Uwa also urged residents to support security efforts. “Remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security operations,” he said.