The Headquarters of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has called on the Taraba State Police Command to exercise due diligence in gathering accurate information before releasing it to the press, especially on sensitive matters concerning inter-agency operations.
In a press statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Olubodunde Oni said misinformation not only misleads the public but may also undermine the credibility of security efforts in the state.
According to the statement, the Taraba State Police Command issued a press statement with inaccurate information on the rescue of Mr. Gil Itamar, an Israeli national and staff member 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.
”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, Apako, and Chanchangi. These efforts yielded credible information that led to the location where the victim was eventually found abandoned by his captors.” The statement revealed, ”
The statement also emphasized that 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to working with all security stakeholders to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in Taraba State.
