Security Forces Repel Kidnappers, Rescue 17 in Taraba

• Taraba Police Command rescued 17 passengers after foiling a late-night kidnap attempt on a bus travelling from Enugu to Yola along the Wukari highway.
• The swift intervention by police and military personnel forced the suspected kidnappers to flee, with all passengers, including the initially missing 22-year-old Sadiq Usman, later found safe.
• Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Bretet Simon, praised the operatives for their quick action and urged the public to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

The Taraba State Police Command says it successfully averted a kidnap operation and rescued 17 passengers who were travelling along the Wukari highway late Friday night.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, James Lashan Saminu, revealed that the incident took place at about 11:45 p.m. on July 12, 2025, when suspected armed kidnappers ambushed a white Toyota bus belonging to the People’s Choice Company.

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According to Saminu, “The vehicle, bearing registration number 26G-17TR, was en route from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, when it came under attack near the Federal University Wukari.”

The police said that upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Wukari Division, Anthony Jerry, led a team of officers to the scene. They were joined by nearby military personnel to confront the threat.

“The swift mobilisation of security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into the bush,” the statement read.

While initial reports indicated that one passenger, 22-year-old Sadiq Usman of Chamba ethnicity, was missing after the incident, he was later found and rescued unharmed.

“All other passengers were reported safe and unhurt,” Saminu added.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Taraba, Emmanuel Bretet Simon, praised the officers for their rapid response and coordination with the military.

“The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery and prompt action of the officers involved and reiterated the Command’s determination to tackle kidnapping and related crimes across the state through continued synergy with other security agencies,” the statement read.

Simon also called on the public to assist law enforcement by providing timely information on suspicious movements or individuals.

“He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any unusual activity, assuring that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Saminu concluded.

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