By Ayodele Oni
A joint operation of police and soldiers in Taraba State has rescued 17 passengers who were abducted by gunmen along a highway in the Wukari Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Sunday, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP James Lashen Samunu explained that the incident occurred on Friday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 p.m., when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wukari Division received a distress call.
The report indicated that a white Toyota bus belonging to the “People’s Choice” transport company, with plate number 26G-17TR, was attacked shortly after passing the Federal University Wukari.
The vehicle was en route from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, and was carrying 17 passengers at the time of the incident.
According to the statement, the DPO, Anthony Jerry, promptly mobilised a patrol team in collaboration with nearby military personnel and advanced to the scene.
“The swift response of the security teams forced the suspects to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushe,” the statement added.
All 17 passengers were safely rescued. One of the passengers, identified as 22-year-old Sadiq Usman of the Chamba ethnic group, was initially missing, but was later found during a coordinated search operation by the joint security team.
“All passengers are hale, healthy, and safe,” ASP Samunu confirmed.
The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Emmanuel Bretet Simon, commended the officers and soldiers involved in the operation, describing the rescue as an “uncommon feat.”
He also urged the public to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
A manhunt is currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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