Police rescue abducted Israeli national in Taraba

The Taraba police command says its operatives rescued an abducted Israeli national during a joint operation with the military and local hunters.

In a statement on Friday, James Lashen, the command spokesperson, identified Gil Itamar as the Israeli national who was taken by armed criminals along Takum/Chanchangi road in the state.

Lashen said the incident occurred on Thursday when Itamar, a staff member of SCC Construction Company, was kidnapped despite being escorted by military personnel.

“On 03/04/2025 at about 1030hrs , an information was received through a phone call from one Alhaji Saidu , a staff of SCC company based in Takum that, on same date at about 0915hrs, one Mr Gil Itamar , an Israeli and also a staff of SCC company was kidnapped by some armed hoodlums at Atim Community along Takum/Chanchangi road while being escorted by the Military,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, the DPO of Takum division, mobilized his men with personnel from 67 PMF in collaboration with the Military and hunters and stormed the scene.”

The police spokesperson said an “intense” search-and-rescue operation at Kofai Ahmadu led to the victim’s rescue after a gun duel forced the kidnappers to flee.

He said the victim is undergoing medical checks at SCC company’s facility in Takum, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest his abductors.

Meanwhile, Bretet Emmanuel, Taraba police commissioner, commended the officers and assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to residents’ safety and security in the state.

The police commissioner cautioned criminal elements to leave the state, vowing that the command would make Taraba a hostile environment for their activities.