Abducted Isreali not travelling with military escorts – Nigerian Army refutes police claim

The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims made by the Taraba State Police Command that an Israeli national recently rescued from captivity was under military escort at the time of his abduction.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Army described the police's assertion as “false and misleading”.

The clarification came in the wake of the successful rescue of Mr. Itamar, an Israeli citizen and staff of SCC Company, who was abducted on April 3 along the Takum-Chanchangi Road in Atim Community, Takum LGA 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), stated that the victim was travelling alone in his vehicle without a military escort or driver when he was abducted.

The Army highlighted that the rescue operation was spearheaded by the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion in Takum.

The intelligence, according to the Army, involved close coordination with local community leaders in Kofai Ahmadu, Apako and Chanchangi. The Army reported that no shots were fired during the operation.

According to the statement, strategic pressure was applied to local village heads and youth leaders, which yielded critical intelligence and ultimately led to Mr. Itamar’s release.

While commending the role of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring public safety, the Army urged the Taraba State Police Command to prioritize accuracy in public communications to avoid spreading misinformation and undermining security efforts.

The statement added, “6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS remains committed to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Taraba State.”