Troops Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims, Recover Weapons in Joint Benue–Taraba Operation

In a decisive military operation across Benue and Taraba States, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 abducted persons and recovered a cache of high-powered weapons from criminal hideouts.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media and Information Officer for OPWS, the offensive was carried out between August 2 and 3 targeting bandit camps in Tse-Ahur and Chito, both located within Benue State.

Troops from Sector 3 also set up a blocking position at Gindin Mangoro, in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, to intercept fleeing suspects. The coordinated strategy paid off.

“When the troops attacked the kidnappers’ stronghold, they arrested two key suspects while others fled, leaving behind the hostages and weapons,” the statement read.

Among the rescued victims were four women and seven men, all of whom have since received medical treatment and are currently being prepared for reunion with their families.

The troops recovered a wide variety of weapons, including:

• FN rifles

• G3 rifles

• AK-47 rifles

• A general-purpose machine gun

• Locally fabricated firearms

• Ammunition and tactical equipment

The recovery marks another significant stride in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the North Central region.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the courage and tactical discipline of the soldiers involved.

“I commend the gallantry and fighting spirit of our troops for maintaining pressure on the criminals. We are committed to pursuing these enemies wherever they hide to restore peace and security,” Gara said.

He acknowledged the inter-agency collaboration that made the mission a success and thanked the Chief of Defense Staff and other senior commanders for their continued support.

Gara assured residents that OPWS forces will maintain battlefield dominance, apply unrelenting operational pressure, and intensify their campaign to restore peace to Taraba, Nasarawa, and Benue States.