Troops of the Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Department of State Services have rescued a lecturer at Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh.
The lecturer was abducted on July 31 along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The rescue followed a joint operation based on actionable intelligence across several locations including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and Warawa.
A statement on Sunday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said during the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the victim.
He said Saleh was recovered unhurt.
The statement read, “In a daring and well-coordinated operation, troops of 6 Brigade, NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have successfully rescued Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University.
“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area. During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim. Engineer Saleh was found unharmed and promptly rescued.”
The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
