OPERATION LAFIYA NAKOWA: Troops of 6 Brigade and Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Taraba

Jalingo, Taraba State | October 4, 2025

In a significant breakthrough under the ongoing clearance operations in Taraba State, code-named Operation LAFIYA NAKOWA, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in a coordinated effort with the Nigeria Police, successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, including a child, during a daring early-morning operation on 2 October 2025.

The operation was launched following a distress alert that armed kidnappers had intercepted a Toyota Carina II vehicle travelling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State. The suspects reportedly forced the vehicle to a halt around an abandoned checkpoint and abducted all passengers on board, fleeing with them into the surrounding forest.

Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, a joint team of 6 Brigade troops and Police personnel mobilized and launched a search-and-rescue mission into the area. The quick response paid off as six victims—including the driver—were successfully rescued unharmed.

The identities of the rescued victims are as follows:
• Mr. Terna Gbaya, 43 years
• Mr. Musa Adamu, 55 years
• Mrs. Rose Sor, 35 years
• Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, 40 years
• Mrs. Comfort Iyofar, 60 years
• One infant (unnamed)
All six individuals have since been reunited with their families, bringing a moment of relief and joy to their communities.

Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and swift response of the troops and Police personnel that led to the operation’s success. He emphasized that the ongoing operations across Taraba State are aimed at restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks that threaten the safety of innocent citizens.

“The synergy between our troops and the Nigeria Police in this operation was commendable. We remain committed to the safety and security of all residents of Taraba State and will not relent until criminal elements are completely flushed out,” Brigadier General Uwa stated.
He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid current and future operations.
Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and ensure that no other victims remain in captivity.

UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
4 October 2025