Kidnapped but now Freed Israeli wasn’t with Military Escort, Army Clarifies
The Nigerian Army has categorically denied claims made by the Taraba State Police Command that an Israeli national, Mr. Itamar, was under military escort when he was abducted on April 3.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Army described the police’s assertion as “false and misleading”.
The Army’s clarification came after the successful rescue of Mr. Itamar, a staff member of SCC Company, who was kidnapped along the Takum-Chanchangi Road in Atim Community, Takum LGA of Taraba State. According to Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Mr. Itamar was traveling alone in his vehicle without a military escort or driver when he was abducted.
The Army revealed that the rescue operation was spearheaded by the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion in Takum, with close coordination with local community leaders in Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi. The operation was carried out without firing a single shot, and strategic pressure was applied to local village heads and youth leaders, which yielded critical intelligence and ultimately led to Mr. Itamar’s release.
The Army commended the role of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring public safety but urged the Taraba State Police Command to prioritize accuracy in public communications to avoid spreading misinformation and undermining security efforts. The statement emphasized that “6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS remains committed to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Taraba State”.
