Troops Rescue Woman From Abductors, Flush Out Bandits In Takum

A middle-aged woman, Mrs Iloda Ayinba, who was recently abducted on her way to the farm by suspected herdsmen, has been rescued by the troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

Mrs Ayinba was kidnapped in Torikeghe village under the Chanchanji ward in Takum local government area of Taraba State.

In a press statement signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP in Jalingo, it was stated that the woman was rescued unhurt during a swift and intelligence-driven operation.

According to the statement, “the operation followed credible intelligence received by troops deployed at Kufai Amadu regarding the abduction of a woman within the area. Acting promptly on the information, troops immediately mobilised and advanced to the affected community.

“Upon arrival, further investigation revealed that the victim, Mrs Iloda Ayinba, a resident of Torikegha Village, was abducted while on her way to her farm by suspected criminal elements believed to be herdsmen relocating from the general area.

“Troops swiftly and tactically traced the criminals’ withdrawal routes, conducting an aggressive search and rescue operation across the surrounding terrain, extending up to the power line corridor between Benue and Taraba States.

“Overwhelmed by the sustained pressure from the advancing troops, the kidnappers abandoned the victim in the bush and fled.

“Mrs Iloda Ayinba was subsequently rescued unharmed and safely handed over to the village heads, amidst appreciation from members of the community for the timely intervention of the Nigerian Army.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, in a statement, reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens, farmers, and residents across Taraba State.

He emphasised the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining robust operations to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide season, as well as enabling farmers to conduct their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.

The Commander further urged members of the public to continue supporting the Nigerian Army with timely and credible information, noting that such cooperation remains crucial to the success of ongoing security operations across the state.

Additionally, a separate statement released by the Brigade’s headquarters in Jalingo stated that troops under the code name Operation Zafin Wuta have flushed out bandits terrorising farmers and residents in the Takum local government area of the state.

The statement said on 12 December 2025, troops conducted a successful security operation aimed at protecting farmers and flushing out bandits within the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“The operation underscores the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring a safe harvest season and a peaceful yuletide for residents across the state.

“The operation followed earlier concerns raised by residents of Chanchanji, who feared attacks while harvesting their farm produce.

“In response, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, who had earlier visited the community and assured farmers of adequate protection.

The Commander stated that “the Nigerian Army will not allow criminal elements to disrupt farming activities or threaten the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens, particularly during this critical harvest period.”

“During the operation on 12 December 2025, troops arrived at Chanchanji Town and, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, provided security for farmers moving to Demevaa Village, about 19 kilometres away.

“Simultaneously, troops conducted extensive patrols and clearance operations across Sabe, Iyongaem, Yongu, Adigi, Kpenwe, Tse-Iorver, and Tse-Tseve villages under Chanchanji Ward, successfully clearing the areas of criminal elements and restoring public confidence.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops further advanced into the Zambana Forest, a suspected hideout of armed bandits terrorising surrounding communities.

“The forest and adjoining areas were thoroughly combed and cleared, significantly degrading the criminals’ capacity to operate within the general area.

Brigadier General Uwa then reassured the people of Takum and Taraba State at large that the Brigade remains proactive in safeguarding lives, property, and farmlands throughout the harvest season and beyond.