Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued 10 victims from armed assailants in Benue State.
In a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer at the headquarters of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, on Tuesday, the troops were reported to have received intelligence on November 3, 2025 regarding a kidnapping plot at Quarantine Checkpoint, Kyado, along the Zaki-Biam–Wukari road.
The kidnappers, allegedly disguised in police uniforms, were attempting to deceive unsuspecting road users.
The statement read, “Upon receiving the information, our troops mobilised swiftly to the scene.
“On sighting the approaching soldiers, the kidnappers fled into nearby bushes. Pursuit operations led to the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims.”
Among those rescued was Warrant Officer John Richard, a personnel of the 6 Brigade Band, Jalingo.
Two other victims remain unaccounted for, with search operations ongoing.
The rescued individuals were debriefed and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their gallantry, swift response, and professionalism.
He assured them that their sacrifices would not go unrewarded and urged them to sustain their high morale and discipline.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Oguma, rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered N3.8m ransom money meant for their release in Kogi.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said the operation took place on Sunday, following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
The victims were debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was returned to them and are currently in safe custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property.
“Members of the public are enjoined to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against criminal elements in the state,” Abdullahi said.
