A collaborative effort between the police, military, and local hunters has led to the rescue of an Israeli national who had been kidnapped in Taraba. The victim, identified as Gil Itamar, was abducted by armed criminals in the Atim Community along the Takum/Chanchangi Road in Taraba on April 3, 2025.
The incident occurred at around 9:15 AM on the same day when Itamar, a staff member of the SCC company, was seized by the criminals. Information about the kidnapping was relayed to the police by Alhaji Saidu, an employee of SCC based in Takum, at approximately 10:30 AM. The news prompted an immediate response from the police.
James Lashen, the Public Relations Officer for the Taraba State Police Command, confirmed the kidnapping in a statement. Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum quickly mobilized his team, which included officers from the 67 Police Mobile Force (PMF). They worked together with military personnel and local hunters to track down the kidnappers.
The search-and-rescue operation was carried out with precision, culminating in a fierce gun battle with the abductors. The operation took place at Kofai Ahmadu, where the kidnappers were forced to flee after being outgunned. The victim was safely rescued and later transported to a medical facility at the SCC company’s headquarters in Takum for medical attention.
The police have since launched a manhunt for the criminals who managed to escape the scene. A radar system has been set up to track their movements, with the goal of bringing them to justice.
Taraba State’s Commissioner of Police, Bretet Emmanuel, expressed his gratitude to the officers involved in the operation and praised their bravery. He assured the public that the police force would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the state’s residents.
“The police command will spare no effort in making Taraba State an uncomfortable place for criminal activities,” said CP Emmanuel.
