How we rescued Israeli captive – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has provided a detailed account of how its troops rescued Mr. Gil Itamar, an Israeli national who was abducted by gunmen in Taraba State earlier this week, countering initial reports that credited the police with leading the operation.

In a statement released on Saturday by Captain Olubodunse Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo, the military said it was compelled to set the record straight following a conflicting statement from the Taraba State Police Command.

“The attention of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has been drawn to a press release issued by the Taraba State Police Command 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,” the statement read.

“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.”

The Army emphasized that the operation was spearheaded by its own forces, specifically the 93 Battalion in Takum, and not by the police, as previously suggested.

“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 also included a cautionary note to the police, urging accuracy in future communication.

“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.

“6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 OPWS remain committed to working with all security stakeholders to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in Taraba State,” the statement concluded.