Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have launched a decisive operation against kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation followed a swift response by troops on January 29, 2026, after gunshots were reported along the Kasuwan Shanu–Jootar Road near a Nigeria Police checkpoint in Wukari.
This was contained in a statement by the Nigerian Army and shared on its Facebook page on Friday.
The statement added that the soldiers found a Sharon bus with Lagos registration number LSR 445 XT, conveying nine passengers.
The driver of the vehicle, Mr Abdul Amukama, a 45-year-old man from Makurdi, was discovered with a gunshot wound to his right hand.
Preliminary investigations revealed that before the troops arrived, two passengers were forcibly abducted into nearby bushes by suspected kidnappers.
In response, troops of 6 Brigade immediately commenced aggressive search and rescue operations within the area to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The injured driver was promptly evacuated to the General Hospital, Wukari, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
The affected vehicle has been recovered and is presently in military custody.
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Commenting on the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swiftness and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, urged road users to continue their lawful activities without fear, and called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
The military has reassured commuters and residents of improved safety on major roads across the state.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that Operation Peace Shield remains focused on denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring safer roads for commuters across Taraba State.