Troops of the Nigerian army under sixth brigade, sector three of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) on Thursday, January 29, foiled an abduction attempt along Kasuwan Shanu-Jootar road in Wukari local government area of Taraba state, resulting in the rescue of seven passengers.
Gunmen ambushed a Sharon bus with registration number LSR 445 XT, Lagos, carrying nine passengers from Makurdi to Wukari.
Troops responding to gunfire near a police checkpoint discovered the vehicle and rescued seven passengers, including the injured driver, identified as 45-year-old Abdul Amukama from Makurdi, who sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand.
Amukama was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Wukari for medical treatment.
Preliminary findings indicated that two passengers were forcibly taken into nearby bushes by the gunmen before troops arrived at the scene.
Following the attack, troops of the sixth brigade commenced search-and-rescue operations in the surrounding area, with sustained pressure being applied on the kidnappers to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The affected vehicle has since been recovered and taken into custody, while military personnel continue to patrol the area to prevent further criminal activity.
The commander of the sixth brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reassured residents and road users of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Taraba state, urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
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