Nigerian Troops Tackles Police Over Rescued Kidnapped Israeli Citizen
The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted claims made by the police regarding the rescue of an Israeli national, Gil Itamar, who was abducted in Taraba State.
In a firm response, the military clarified that it was their operatives, supported by other security agencies, who successfully carried out the rescue operation.
On Saturday, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the Army’s 6 Brigade, corrected the records, asserting that the police had wrongly taken credit for the mission.
Olubodunde emphasised that the military acted on credible intelligence and rescued the foreign national without firing a single shot.
The military spokesperson also countered the police’s assertion that Itamar was abducted despite having military escorts, calling the statement misleading.
He cautioned the police against the reckless release of information concerning such sensitive operations.
The controversy stemmed from a press release issued by the Taraba State Police Command, which claimed credit for the rescue of Mr. Itamar, a staff member of SCC Company, who was kidnapped on April 3, 2025, in the Atim Community along the Takum–Chanchangi Road in Takum Local Government Area.
In his detailed explanation, Captain Olubodunde clarified, “Contrary to the police claim, Mr. Gil Itamar was alone in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when he was abducted.
“The military’s search and rescue operation, led by the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion Nigerian Army in Takum, was driven by reliable intelligence and coordinated with local community leaders.”
The operation, which took place without any shots being fired, relied on vital information provided by village heads and youth leaders from nearby communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi.
“This collaborative effort led to the discovery of the victim, who had been abandoned by his captors.”
While praising the spirit of cooperation between security agencies, Olubodunde urged the Taraba State Police Command to exercise greater caution in releasing public statements, especially on sensitive matters that involve inter-agency collaboration.
He stressed that misinformation could undermine public trust in security efforts and distort the facts.
The Nigerian Army affirmed its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in Taraba State, reaffirming the importance of accurate reporting and inter-agency coordination in maintaining peace and security.
