Troops operating in Taraba State have successfully intercepted a robbery attempt and rescued a group of kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation that took place late Saturday night.
According to reliable military sources within the operation, the troops were conducting routine surveillance along a remote axis linking Bali and Gashaka when they encountered a group of armed criminals attempting to rob travelers. The suspects, who had blocked a section of the road, reportedly opened fire upon sighting the approaching soldiers.
The troops responded swiftly, engaging the criminals in a brief gun duel that forced them to abandon their position and flee into the nearby forest. During the clearance of the area, the soldiers discovered several individuals who had earlier been kidnapped by the fleeing gang.
The rescued victims—believed to be local traders and commuters—were found tied and guarded before the criminals fled. They were immediately evacuated to a secure location, where they received medical checks and were later reunited with their families.
A senior officer involved in the operation said the successful rescue highlights the military’s increased presence and rapid-response approach in tackling criminal activities across Taraba. He emphasized that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, whom he described as part of a network responsible for repeated attacks in the region.
Community leaders in the affected area expressed gratitude to the troops for the prompt intervention, noting that the swift action prevented what could have been another tragic incident on the highway.
Security patrols in the region have now been intensified, with the military urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.