Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully thwarted a suspected armed robbery and kidnapping attempt along the Wukari–Ikyior Road in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, rescuing two victims and reinforcing security in the region. The operation underscores ongoing efforts by the military to protect civilians and curb criminal activity in volatile areas of the country.
According to official statements from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, the incident occurred on January 16, 2026, when suspected criminals established a roadblock on the Wukari–Ikyior Road near Jandeikula, targeting road users for robbery and possible abduction. Distress calls alerted soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari, prompting a rapid deployment to the scene.
On sighting the approaching troops, the attackers abandoned their operation, fleeing into the surrounding bush with their motorcycles and leaving their captives behind. The swift intervention by the soldiers prevented what could have been a more serious escalation, highlighting the effectiveness of the military’s quick-response capability in confronting criminal threats.
The two rescued victims have been identified as Mr. Terso Kerso, 48, and Mr. Udongu Terbo, 42, both residents of Ikyior Community in Wukari Local Government Area. At the time of their rescue, both men were found unconscious and were immediately evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari for urgent medical treatment.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army said it has intensified patrols and surveillance along the affected road and its environs to deter further criminal activities and reassure residents and travellers of a sustained security presence. The operation reflects a broader strategy by Nigerian forces to secure critical transport routes and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3, publicly commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. He emphasised that the timely action prevented possible loss of lives and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to proactive operations within its area of responsibility. General Uwa also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against crime and insecurity.
The successful rescue operation comes amid persistent security challenges in Taraba and other parts of Nigeria, where criminal gangs, including armed robbers and kidnappers, have exploited stretches of highway to target commuters and travellers. Such incidents have been a recurring concern for residents, prompting increased military and security agency engagement to protect vulnerable communities and disrupt the activities of criminal groups.
While specific motivations behind the Wukari incident remain under investigation, the pattern of roadblocks and attacks on highways has been linked to broader trends in banditry and organised crime across Nigeria’s north-central and north-eastern regions. These groups often operate in loosely organised networks, engaging in kidnapping for ransom, robbery, and extortion, which have far-reaching impacts on local economies and civil life.
The Nigerian Army’s Operation Whirl Stroke, established to combat insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping across several states including Taraba, has in recent months conducted numerous patrols, rescue operations, and intelligence-led missions aimed at dismantling criminal structures and enhancing civilian protection. The operation has previously recorded successes in rescuing hostages and arresting suspects linked to criminal groups, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to mitigating insecurity.
Community leaders and local residents have welcomed the military’s intervention, expressing relief at the successful rescue of the two victims and praising the heightened security presence. However, some have also called for complementary measures that address underlying factors contributing to insecurity, such as unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure, which they argue can leave communities more vulnerable to criminal influence.
Analysts say that while military operations remain a necessary component of the response to insecurity, sustainable peace and stability will require broader collaboration between security agencies, community stakeholders, and government authorities to tackle both immediate threats and the root causes of criminality. Effective intelligence gathering, community engagement, and socio-economic development initiatives are cited as key elements in creating a safer environment for citizens.
The rescue of Mr. Kerso and Mr. Terbo stands as a testament to the Nigerian Army’s readiness to respond to distress alerts and protect citizens in perilous situations. As the security situation evolves, the military’s ongoing presence and operations are likely to remain central to safeguarding communities, preventing future attacks, and reinforcing public confidence in national security efforts.
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