Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Wukari–Ikyaior road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a swift response to a distress call from members of the public.
The incident occurred after reports that suspected criminals had blocked the highway and were attacking motorists and other road users. Acting on the alert, troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari moved quickly to the area, disrupting the suspected operation and rescuing two victims.
According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the troops arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the distress call and immediately took control of the situation.
On sighting the soldiers, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning their victims and leaving behind the area in haste. The assailants also abandoned their motorcycle while escaping, indicating the suddenness of the military intervention.
Security sources said the prompt response prevented what could have resulted in serious injuries, abductions, or fatalities along the busy route, which serves as a key link between several communities in southern Taraba.
Two victims were rescued from the scene and identified as Mr Terso Kerso (48) and Mr Udongu Terbo (42), both from Ikyaior community in Wukari Local Government Area.
At the time of rescue, the victims were said to be unconscious and in critical condition, suggesting they had been assaulted during the attempted crime. The troops immediately evacuated them to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari (FUTHW), where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Military officials said the quick evacuation was crucial in stabilizing the victims and preventing further complications, adding that medical personnel at the hospital responded promptly to the emergency.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army said it has intensified patrols and surveillance along the Wukari–Ikyaior axis and surrounding communities to prevent a recurrence and reassure residents and travelers of sustained military presence.
Residents in the area have repeatedly expressed concern over criminal activity along isolated stretches of road, particularly at night and early morning hours, where kidnappers and armed robbers often exploit poor visibility and limited traffic.
The Army said its enhanced patrols will include both day and night operations, with increased monitoring of forested areas believed to serve as escape routes for criminal groups.
Commending the soldiers for their swift action and professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their vigilance and operational readiness.
He said their timely intervention not only saved lives but also reinforced public confidence in the military’s ability to respond to security threats.
“The prompt response of our troops prevented a possible tragedy and demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property,” Uwa said.
The brigade commander also reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to sustain proactive security operations across its area of responsibility and to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
Brigadier General Uwa urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains critical to the success of military and joint security operations.
He said the Army relies heavily on information from local communities to track criminal movements, dismantle hideouts, and respond quickly to emerging threats, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Operation Whirl Stroke is a multi-agency security initiative covering parts of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and neighboring states, aimed at curbing kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes along major highways and rural communities.
The Army said ongoing operations under OPWS remain focused on restoring confidence along key routes, securing communities, and preventing criminal networks from gaining footholds in the region.
As security operations continue, residents and road users have been advised to remain alert, avoid isolated routes when possible, and report suspicious movements to security agencies through established channels.
The Nigerian Army has assured the public that it remains committed to maintaining a visible and responsive security presence in Taraba State and across the North-Central region, as part of broader efforts to stabilize vulnerable communities and ensure safe movement for citizens.