Nigerian Army 6 Brigade and Sector 3 “Operation Whirl Stroke” yesterday gave an account on the rescue of an Israeli national Gil Itamar in Taraba State.
The army disagreed with the account of the Taraba State Police Command which stated that the Israeli national was abducted while being escorted by men of the Nigerian Army.
A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigeria Army, Captain Olubodunde Oni, refuted the claim, saying the Israeli was driving all alone in his car before he was abducted.
Captain Oni added that contrary to the press statement by the police that there was an exchange of gunfire before Itamar’s release, no single shot was fired.
According to him, the release of the victim was achieved through intense pressure mounted on local village heads and youth leaders in communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi.
The statement reads, “The attention of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has been drawn to a press release issued by the Taraba State Police Command on the rescue of Mr. Gil Itamar, an Israeli national and staff of SCC Company, who was kidnapped on 3 April 2025, at Atim Community along Takum–Chanchangi Road in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
“While we commend the collaborative spirit among security agencies in the state, it is necessary to correct certain inaccuracies contained in the said release to ensure that the public is rightly informed.
“Firstly, contrary to the claim that Mr Gil Itamar was being escorted by the military at the time of his abduction, we wish to categorically state that he was alone in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“Secondly, the search and rescue operation which led to his recovery was initiated and led by the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion Nigerian Army, Takum. The operation was intelligence driven and conducted in coordination with local stakeholders. Not a single shot was fired, as the release of the victim was achieved through intense pressure mounted on local village heads and youth leaders in communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi.
These efforts yielded credible information that led to the location where the victim was eventually found abandoned by his captors.
“We urge our sister agency, the Taraba State Police Command, to exercise due diligence in gathering accurate information before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters concerning inter-agency operations. Misinformation not only misleads the public but may also undermine the credibility of security efforts in the state.
“6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 OPWS remain committed to working with all security stakeholders to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in Taraba State.”
