Troops bust kidnappers’ den, recover eight corpses, rescue victims

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have busted a den of kidnappers in the Southern part of Taraba State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters said in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Thursday that the operation led to the rescue of three kidnap victims and the recovery of about eight lifeless bodies.

The statement said the coordinated efforts of the military forces also led to the recovery of about four motorcycles.

According to Army, one of the critical incidents that prompted the military response was an attack on an 18-seater bus at Gamkwe Village along Maraban-Baisa road in Donga Local Government Area of the state.

It stated that the attack resulted in the disappearance of 15 passengers, including a baby.

“This incident led to the blocking of a crucial road in the area. Through diligent patrolling and search efforts, the troops were able to clear the roadblock and thoroughly search the surrounding villages of Gankwe, Aakar, Gidan Adamu, and Magudu, ultimately recovering eight bodies, including that of a missing baby.

“Additionally, upon receiving intelligence on armed militias surrounding Sanso village in Donga Local Government Area, the troops swiftly mobilized to the location.

“It was revealed that the militias had arrived at Sanso from Anu village using a wooden canoe via the River Donga before carrying out their nefarious attack. The militias stole valuable items, including motorcycles, and kidnapped several villagers.

“In response, the troops engaged in a pursuit operation, resulting in the successful rescue of three female kidnap victims and the recovery of four motorcycles, along with significant quantities of grains. The military forces also took action to disrupt the activities of the armed militias in the area”.