Troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rescued a lecturer at Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh.
The lecturer was abducted on 31 July 2025, along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The rescue followed a joint operation based on actionable intelligence across several locations, including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and Warawa.
A statement on Sunday by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Lieutenant, Umar Muhammad, said that during the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the victim.
He said Saleh was recovered unhurt.
The statement read, ‘In a daring and well-coordinated operation, troops of 6 Brigade, NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have successfully rescued Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University.
‘Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area.
‘During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim. Saleh was found unharmed and promptly rescued’.
The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
