Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified security operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State following the abduction of two passengers by suspected gunmen.
The Army said the operation was triggered by a distress alert received on January 29, 2026, after gunshots were heard along the Kasuwan Shanu–Jootar Road near a Nigeria Police checkpoint in Wukari.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Spokesperson of the Brigade, Lt. Umar Mohammad, troops who responded swiftly to the alert discovered a Sharon bus with Lagos registration number LSR 445 XT conveying nine passengers.
The statement said the driver of the vehicle, identified as 45-year-old Abdul Amukama from Makurdi, was found with a gunshot wound to his right hand.
Preliminary investigations revealed that two passengers had been forcibly abducted by suspected kidnappers and taken into the bush before the arrival of the troops.
According to the Army, troops of 6 Brigade immediately launched an aggressive search-and-rescue operation across the surrounding areas to secure the release of the abducted victims. The statement added that the operation is ongoing, with sustained pressure being applied on the criminals.
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The injured driver was evacuated to the General Hospital in Wukari, where he is currently receiving treatment, while the vehicle involved in the incident has been recovered and secured by the military.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reassured commuters of improved safety on major roads and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
He also urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear and called on the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
