Taraba: Military Pressure Forces Kidnappers to Abandon Woman in Takum Bush

A swift and relentless operation by the Nigerian military’s Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has resulted in the successful rescue of a woman who had been abducted in the volatile Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The victim, identified as Mrs. Iloda Ayinba, was recovered unharmed after troops from Sub-Sector 3B of the special operation launched a fierce pursuit that compelled her abductors to abandon her and flee into the dense bush.

The rescue operation was prompted by timely intelligence received on Friday, December 12, 2025, around 1:13 p.m. According to information shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops, who are stationed at Kufai Amadu within Takum LGA, were alerted to the abduction of Mrs. Ayinba in Torikegha village, which falls under the Chanchanji Ward. Reports indicated that the woman was seized while she was on her way to her farm, a common location for such criminal activities in the region.

The attackers were identified in the initial report as suspected herdsmen, who were described as being in the process of relocating from the area—a characteristic often associated with groups attempting to avoid security crackdowns following acts of violence. The incident underscores the persistent and often fatal security challenges, including kidnapping and communal clashes, that continue to plague communities in the southern parts of Taraba State, particularly those bordering Benue State.

Upon receiving the distress call, the OPWS troops wasted no time in mobilizing. They quickly moved to Torikegha village and immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission. The military team meticulously tracked the kidnappers along their suspected escape route, carrying out a thorough search of the surrounding bushland. The search operation was highly focused, extending to the power line corridor that links Taraba and Benue states, indicating a comprehensive attempt to block all likely routes of escape and hideouts.

The sustained tactical pressure from the military patrol proved to be the decisive factor in the rescue. Unable to maintain their tempo while carrying the victim and evading the pursuing troops, the kidnappers were forced to abandon Mrs. Ayinba and disperse into the undergrowth. This effective military strategy—aimed at disorienting and exhausting the criminals rather than engaging in a direct firefight that could endanger the hostage—paid off successfully.

Following the kidnappers’ hurried retreat, Mrs. Iloda Ayinba was safely recovered by the troops. Though the swift action secured the victim’s release and prevented the crime from succeeding, the military was unable to make direct contact or apprehend the suspects during the operation. The successful outcome, nevertheless, provides a moment of relief and reassurance for the volatile Takum community, showcasing the proactive response capabilities of the troops deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke, which is mandated to restore peace and security across the region.