In a successful operation aimed at maintaining peace and security in Taraba State, troops of the Nigerian Army thwarted a kidnapping attempt by Islamic extremist groups and neutralized five of their members.
Acting on credible intelligence about a planned abduction of church members returning from a service, the 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army deployed troops to strategic locations along the Tor-Tse and Takum Road in Wukari County.
“Troops…swiftly swung into action and tactically lied in wait for the violent extremists and the insurgents,” disclosed a statement by the Nigerian Army on their official social media platform yesterday. The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday.
A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the killing of four extremists. Another extremist was gunned down during a separate operation by troops on patrol around Chanchanji Ward in Takum Local Government Area on March 27, bringing the total number of deceased extremists to five.
The statement further revealed the recovery of an arsenal of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, one pump action rifle, and two AK-47 magazines. While details about the specific extremist group involved haven’t been released, the modus operandi suggests it could be linked to Boko Haram or its rival group the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), known for targeting civilians and religious institutions.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
