By MARTINS ABOCHOL

The Taraba Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued 17 passengers on Zaki Biam-Wukari Federal High Way in Taraba.

This is contained in a statement signed by ASP James Lashen, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command on Sunday in Jalingo.

“On July 12, 2025, at about 23:45hrs, the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) Wukari Division, received a distress call stating that a Toyota bus belonging to the People’s Choice company was intercepted by suspected Kidnappers.

“The vehicle with plate NO: 26G-17TR , white in colour, was carrying 17 passengers, coming from Enugu, enroute Yola, Adamawa State, was intercepted by suspected armed kidnappers along the highway after Federal University, Wukari.

“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Anthony Jerry, immediately mobilised his patrol team in conjunction with the military who were within the environment and advanced to the scene.

“The kidnappers on sighting the security teams, took to their heels into the bushes and the passengers were rescued except for one Sadiq Usman 22yrs ‘m’ Chamba by tribe who was not found immediately.

“The joint security team combed the bushes and later rescued him unhurt. All passengers are hale hearty and safe.

“Serious manhunt ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and preventing further occurrences.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Taraba, Emmanuel Simon, who commended the operatives for their uncommon feat.

Simon reaffirmed the command’s commitment to collaborating with sister security agencies in fighting the menace of kidnapping in the state.

The CP further urged the public to continue supporting the efforts of the command, as well as other security agencies, by reporting in time suspicious activities. (NAN)