The Nigerian Army has refuted a statement issued by the Taraba State Police Command claiming that an Israeli national recently rescued from captivity was travelling under military escort at the time of his abduction.
In a press release on Saturday, the Army labeled the police’s assertion as “false and misleading.”
The clarification follows the successful rescue of Mr. Itamar, an Israeli citizen and employee of SCC Company, who was abducted on April 3 along the Takum-Chanchangi Road in Atim Community, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), clarified that the abducted victim was travelling unaccompanied in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when the incident occurred.
The Army emphasized that the rescue operation was led by the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion stationed in Takum.
According to the Army’s statement, the operation involved close collaboration and intelligence gathering from local community leaders in Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi. The Army further reported that no shots were fired during the successful rescue mission.
The statement detailed that strategic pressure was applied to local village heads and youth leaders, which yielded crucial intelligence that ultimately led to Mr. Itamar’s safe release.
While acknowledging the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining public safety, the Army urged the Taraba State Police Command to prioritize accuracy in their public statements to prevent the spread of misinformation and avoid undermining ongoing security efforts.
The statement concluded, “6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS remains committed to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Taraba State.”
Nigerian Army Counters Police Claim of Military Escort for Abducted Israeli National
