The Nigerian Army has responded to the Taraba State Police Command’s claims regarding the abduction and subsequent rescue of Israeli national Mr. Gil Itamar, who was kidnapped on April 3, 2025, in Atim Community, located along the Takum–Chanchangi Road.
In a statement issued by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, the Army denied the police’s assertion that Mr. Itamar was abducted while being escorted by the military. The Army clarified that at the time of the abduction, the Israeli national was alone in his vehicle.
Additionally, the Army rejected the police’s claim of a gun battle during the rescue operation. Captain Oni emphasized that Mr. Itamar’s release was achieved without any gunfire and was the result of intelligence-driven efforts involving local village heads and youth leaders from Kofai Ahmadu, Apako, and Chanchangi.
The Army called for more accuracy in the Taraba Police Command’s public statements to avoid misinformation and to ensure continued public confidence in the security forces. “While we commend inter-agency cooperation, we urge the Taraba Police Command to ensure accuracy in its public statements to avoid misleading the public and undermining security efforts,” the statement read.
Earlier, the Taraba State Police Command had issued a statement through its spokesperson, James Lashen, asserting that Mr. Itamar was abducted while under military escort and that he was rescued after a gunfight involving police, military personnel, and local hunters.
The contrasting accounts have highlighted apparent coordination challenges between the security agencies, despite the successful rescue operation. Following his release, Mr. Itamar is currently receiving medical attention at the SCC Company’s medical facility in Takum.
