An Israeli man has been rescued in Nigeria’s Taraba State following his abduction by armed criminals, police have said.
The Taraba State Police Command, in a statement released on Friday, confirmed that the man, identified as Gil Itamar, was freed in a joint operation involving police, the military, and local hunters.
According to the police, Mr Itamar, who works for a company named SCC, was kidnapped around 9:15 AM local time in the Atim Community along the Takum/Chanchangi road. He was reportedly being escorted by military personnel at the time of the abduction.
Authorities were alerted to the incident by a colleague, Alhaji Saidu, who raised the alarm. The Divisional Police Officer in the Takum area quickly mobilised a response team comprising police officers, members of the paramilitary police (67 PMF), the military, and local hunters.
The police statement detailed a “fierce exchange of gunfire” during the search-and-rescue mission. Overwhelmed by the security forces, the kidnappers were forced to abandon their hostage and retreat.
Mr Itamar was rescued at Kofai Ahmadu and is currently receiving medical attention at the SCC Company’s medical facility in Takum.
Nigerian security forces have stated that they are intensifying efforts to track down the fleeing abductors and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police for Taraba State, Bretet Simon, commended the swift and effective response of the joint security team and reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, including instances of kidnapping for ransom.
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