Police rescue three kidnap victims in Taraba

Operatives of the Taraba State Police Command have rescued three kidnapped victims after a fierce gun battle in Sibre village, Ardo-Kola Local Government Council of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, Abdullahi Usman, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, December 8, 2024, said the victims were rescued following a distress call.

A team of police operatives from the Jalingo Area Command were immediately dispatched to collaborate with local vigilantes to pursue the kidnappers.

“The pursuit culminated in a confrontation at Dutse Mubayu near the Kona Mountains, where the kidnappers engaged the security team in a gun battle,” the statement read. 

“Overpowered by the superior firepower of the police and vigilantes, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled.” 

The rescued victims identified as Idris Adamu, 40, Umar Usman, 22, and Ibrahim Usman, 17, were unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Commending the officers and the vigilante group for their swift and coordinated response, the Commissioner of Police, Ukachi P. Opara, directed the team to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The CP reassured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to maintaining security and urged the public to remain calm.

The commissioner also provided toll-free lines for emergencies, encouraging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, emphasizing that the police are in control and fully committed to protecting the safety of Taraba’s residents.