Taraba State security officials have freed Gil Itamar, an Israeli national who was kidnapped by armed criminals in Atim Community on the Takum/Chanchangi Road.
The rescue mission, led by the Taraba State Police Command alongside military forces and local hunters, saw a fierce exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers, causing them to flee and leave the captive behind.
James Lashen, Taraba State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed the victim’s successful rescue in a statement released on Friday.
“On April 3, 2025, at about 10:30hrs, we received a distress call from one Alhaji Saidu, a staff of SCC company in Takum, that an Israeli national, Mr. Gil Itamar, was kidnapped by armed hoodlums at Atim Community along the Takum/Chanchangi road,” Lashen said.
After receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum, along with personnel from the 67 Police Mobile Force (PMF), military operatives, and local hunters, mobilised a team to the kidnappers’ suspected hideout. They confronted the criminals in a gun battle.
“Our operatives conducted an intense cordon search-and-rescue operation, which led to the successful rescue of the victim at Kofai Ahmadu. The hoodlums, after a fierce gun duel, were forced to retreat and flee the scene,” Lashen added.
Bretet Emmanuel, the Commissioner of Police in Taraba, commended the security personnel for their quick action and courage.
“We will not relent in our efforts to rid the state of criminals. I urge all residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities. Let it be known that Taraba will be made unbearable for criminals,” CP Emmanuel warned.
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