THIS DAWN — In what can only be described as a bizarre display of selective heroism, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) proudly announced the rescue of one kidnapped victim in Taraba State.
However, they conveniently glossed over the fact that another victim remains abandoned in the bush with his abductors.
The Celebrated Rescue
On January 27, troops deployed at Dogon Gawa, Taraba State, claimed that they stumbled upon a man abandoned by kidnappers.
The victim, later identified as Mr. Ghali, was rescued, debriefed, given medical care, and reunited with his family.
The Army wasted no time in celebrating the operation, with Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commending his men for their “tenacity, courage, and professionalism.”
The Forgotten Victim
But here’s the ridiculous part: while the Army paraded its success, it failed to provide any update on Mr. Simon Oluchukwu.
Oluchukwu was abducted alongside Mr. Ghali on January 11, 2026, at Gbise Village, Benue State.
Their driver was killed during the abduction, yet the Army’s statement made no mention of Oluchukwu’s fate or the abductors still roaming free.
It’s as if rescuing one victim was enough to declare victory, while the other—an unfortunate South Easterner—was left to languish in captivity.
Selective Gallantry
The Army’s communication painted a picture of gallantry and professionalism, but the glaring omission of Oluchukwu’s situation makes the celebration sound hollow.
Nigerians are asking: how can troops boast of success when half the job remains undone?
The silence on Oluchukwu and his abductors raises uncomfortable questions about transparency and accountability
It also raises question of whether the military values some lives more than others.
Public Reaction
Observers have described the Army’s statement as tone-deaf, noting that it reads more like a self-congratulatory press release than a serious update on a kidnapping crisis.
Families of victims, especially Oluchukwu’s, are left in anguish, wondering why the Army chose to celebrate one rescue while ignoring the other.
This Dawn correspondent, Mr. Calistus Okeke, observed that the “story is… incomplete”.
He responded: “This story is sadly incomplete.
“Where is Mr Simon Oluchukwu and what is his fate? Where are the abductors and what is their fate?”
Speaking further, Okeke said: “My two-pence is that this man wasn’t rescued.
“The kidnappers abandoned him after they noticed how impoverished he looked and made away with the Igbo guy.
“Simon Oluchukwu is presently in kidnappers’ den while his people source for money to buy his life back… that is if he will ever come back alive.
“Sad indeed!” he concluded.
Operation Peace Shield may have rescued Mr. Ghali, as they claimed.
However, the abandonment of Mr. Simon Oluchukwu makes the Army’s celebration look absurd.
Until Oluchukwu is accounted for and his abductors apprehended, the so-called “success” remains incomplete.
Nigerians are left questioning whether the military is more interested in headlines than in truly protecting lives.
