Troops, DSS rescue kidnapped Taraba varsity lecturer

Troops of the Nigerian Army 6 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rescued Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at the Taraba State University.

Saleh was abducted on July 31 along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road in Wukari LGA of the state.

The rescue operation, which was carried out in the early hours of Saturday, was a coordinated effort between troops of sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), and the DSS.

In a statement on Sunday, Umar Mohammed, public relations officer of the 6 brigade, said the troops acted on credible intelligence and launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area in Wukari LGA.

According to the statement, the troops encountered the abductors and engaged them in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to abandon their victim and flee.

"Engineer Saleh was found unharmed and has since been reunited with his family," the statement added.

Kingsley Uwa, commander of 6 brigade/sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their gallantry and swift response.

He also lauded the synergy between the army and DSS, noting that the operation demonstrated high-level professionalism and coordination among security agencies.

Uwa reaffirmed the army's commitment to the protection of lives and property in Taraba and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.