Troops and DSS Rescue Abducted Lecturer After Gun Battle in Taraba
Taraba State, Nigeria – August 3, 2025
In a daring coordinated operation, Nigerian Army soldiers from the 6 Brigade, Sector 3 (Operation Whirl Stroke) and officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) rescued Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University, who had been kidnapped two days earlier.
Kidnapping and Rescue Mission
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Kidnap Incident: Engineer Saleh was abducted on July 31, 2025, along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State.
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Rescue Operation: Acting on credible intelligence, troops and DSS operatives conducted a targeted search across key areas including Kente, Sondi 1 & 2, Yaku, and Warawa general area.
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Armed Encounter: Security forces engaged the kidnappers in a fierce firefight. Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the criminals fled and abandoned the victim. Saleh was found unharmed and promptly evacuated to safety.
Military Commendation
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops’ swift, professional conduct and cooperation with the DSS. He reaffirmed the Army's commitment to safeguarding citizens and urged the public to support ongoing security efforts by sharing credible intelligence with security agencies.
