Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded fresh successes in ongoing operations against criminal elements in Kwara and Taraba states, rescuing two kidnap victims and arresting five suspected armed criminals.

In Kwara State, troops of the Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield deployed at Patrol Base Babasango rescued two kidnap victims during a fighting patrol to Gidan Dogo Ekaa on June 3, 2026. The victims, identified as Temitope Samuel, 42, and Mohammed Sani, 40, reportedly escaped from their captors before being secured by the troops.

The rescued men were taken into protective custody and transferred to Patrol Base Babanla, where they are receiving medical attention and other support pending their reunion with their families.

Meanwhile, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke arrested five suspected criminals in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State following a distress call about an attack on local communities.

According to the Army, the troops came under fire upon arriving at the scene but responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee. A pursuit operation led to the arrest of five suspects.

Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles, daggers, machetes, assorted charms, gunpowder and five mobile phones.

Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and restoring peace and security across Taraba State.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property through sustained intelligence-driven operations while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support security efforts.