“Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully foiled a kidnapping and robbery incident on January 16, 2026 along the Wukari–Ikyior Road,” the announcement reads.

“Acting on a distress call that criminals had blocked the road and were attacking civilians, troops deployed at FOB Wukari responded swiftly and decisively to the scene,” the statement continued.
According to the Army, the suspects ran away as soon as they arrived.

The statement stated, “Upon arrival, the suspects fled into the surrounding bush upon sighting the troops, abandoning their victims and escaping with their motorcycle.”

Mr. Terso Kerso, 48, and Mr. Udongu Terbo, 42, both from Ikyior Community in Wukari Local Government Area, were named as the rescued casualties in the announcement.

“The victims, who were unconscious at the time of rescue, were immediately evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari for urgent medical attention,” the statement continued.

Since then, troops have increased security in the region, according to the Army.

According to the statement, “Troops have increased vigorous patrols and surveillance within the general area in the wake of the incident to prevent further criminal activities and reassure residents and road users of sustained security presence.”

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their behavior.

Their “quick reaction and professionalism prevented possible loss of lives,” he claimed.

Additionally, Uwa reiterated “the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain proactive operations across the area of responsibility.”

In order to help ongoing security measures, he called on the people “to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.”