The Nigerian Army’s Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has called on the Taraba State Police Command to always verify and authenticate its information before going to press in order not to compromise the ongoing operations to stem insecurity in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain, Olubodunde Oni and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Taraba State Police Command issued a press release with inaccurate information on the rescue of Mr. Gil Itamar, an Israeli national and staff of SCC Company, who was kidnapped on 3 April 2025, at Atim Community along Takum–Chanchangi Road in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
“While we commend the collaborative spirit among security agencies in the state, it is necessary to correct certain inaccuracies contained in the said release to ensure that the public is rightly informed.
“We urge our sister agency, the Taraba State Police Command, to exercise due diligence in gathering accurate information before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters concerning inter-agency operations.
“Misinformation not only misleads the public but may also undermine the credibility of security efforts in the state,” the statement said.
The statement also noted that contrary to claims by the police that the staff of SCC Company, Mr Gil Itam was being escorted by the military at the time of his abduction, the Israeli national was alone in his vehicle, without military escort or driver, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“Firstly, contrary to the claim that Mr Gil Itamar was being escorted by the military at the time of his abduction, we wish to categorically state that he was alone in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“Secondly, the search and rescue operation which led to his recovery was initiated and led by the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion Nigerian Army, Takum.
“The operation was intelligence driven and conducted in coordination with local stakeholders.
“Not a single shot was fired, as the release of the victim was achieved through intense pressure mounted on local village heads and youth leaders in communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Abako, and Chanchangi.
“These efforts yielded credible information that led to the location where the victim was eventually found abandoned by his captors,” the statement added.
The statement however, assured that the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) remains committed to working with security stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Taraba State.
