The Taraba Police Command has announced the rescue of three kidnapped victims in a swift operation conducted in Sibre village, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued to Journalists on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Usman, the rescue which took place on December 6, 2024, followed a distress call.

The distress call prompted a dispatch of a team of police operatives from the Jalingo Area Command to collaborate with local vigilantes to pursue the kidnappers.

“The pursuit culminated in a confrontation at Dutse Mubayu near the Kona Mountains, where the kidnappers engaged the security team in a gun battle.

Overpowered by the superior firepower of the police and vigilantes, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled,” the command said.

The rescued individuals identified as Idris Adamu, 40, Umar Usman, 22, and Ibrahim Usman, 17, were said to be unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Commending the officers and the vigilante group for their swift and coordinated response, the Commissioner of Police, Ukachi P. Opara, directed the team to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He reassured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to maintaining security and urged the public to remain calm.

The commissioner also provided toll-free lines for emergencies, encouraging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, emphasizing that the police are in control and fully committed to protecting the safety of Taraba’s residents.