Security forces rescue abducted Taraba lecturer in daring night operation

Troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in a coordinated operation have rescued one Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University, who had been kidnapped since July 31.

Saleh was abducted along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area, an area notorious for criminal activity.

His rescue followed a multi-agency operation guided by actionable intelligence, covering several key locations, including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and the Warawa general area.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, the troops encountered the kidnappers during the operation and engaged them in a gunfight. Overpowered by the military’s superior firepower, the kidnappers were forced to flee, abandoning their victim.

Saleh was recovered unhurt and taken to safety.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift action of the troops and DSS operatives, urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

Although this operation marks a clear success, concerns remain about the broader pattern of insecurity affecting educators, health workers, and residents in rural areas.

Security experts have called for sustained collaboration among agencies, enhanced community engagement, and a shift toward intelligence-led preemptive operations.

Engineer Saleh’s safe return offers a rare moment of relief, but analysts warn that many other victims remain in captivity across the country, emphasising the need for consistent and coordinated action to curb kidnappings nationwide.