An Israeli expatriate working with SCC Company, Mr. Gil Itamar, has been rescued from the grip of kidnappers by a joint team of security forces in Taraba State.
Mr. Itamar was abducted on Friday morning by armed men while traveling through Atim Community along the Takum/Chanchangi road.
He was in the company of military escorts when the attack occurred at about 9:15 a.m., police authorities confirmed.
The Taraba State Police Command, in a statement released in Jalingo, revealed that the rescue mission was a combined effort involving the police, the military, mobile police personnel from the 67 PMF, and local hunters.
The alarm was first raised by one Alhaji Saidu, also a staff member of SCC, who promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
According to the statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, James Leshen, security operatives launched a swift and coordinated response.
“Upon receiving the report, the DPO of Takum led a tactical team into action, combing the surrounding areas. Their efforts led to a gun battle with the kidnappers, who were ultimately overpowered,” Leshen said.
The abductors were forced to abandon their victim following the intense exchange of fire.
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Mr. Itamar was rescued at Kofai Ahmadu and immediately taken for medical assessment at SCC’s facility in Takum.
While Mr. Itamar is said to be in stable condition, security agencies have ramped up efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commending the operation, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon, praised the synergy among the forces and reiterated the command’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.
This incident comes amid heightened security concerns in various parts of Nigeria, especially with the rise in abductions targeting both locals and foreigners.