Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims, recover weapons in Benue, Taraba joint operation

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a significant cache of weapons during a coordinated offensive across parts of Benue and Taraba States.

The daring operation, carried out between Saturday and Sunday, was led by Commander Col. K.O. Bukoye of Sector I, with aerial support and tactical backing from Sector III in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a reliable military source who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assault targeted criminal enclaves in Tse-Ahur and Chito areas of Ukum Local Government in Benue State. The operation demonstrated high-level joint force coordination, overwhelming the kidnappers with superior firepower, resulting in the arrest of two suspects while others fled, abandoning weapons and captives.

Following a search-and-rescue mission, the troops successfully freed 11 hostages, including four women and seven men. The victims were immediately given medical care and are being prepared for reunion with their families.

Weapons recovered from the criminal hideout include four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, a locally fabricated dane gun, multiple magazines, and rounds of various calibres. Also recovered were smoke canisters and fetish charms believed to be used by the criminals.

The operation concluded with the destruction of the kidnappers’ camp and logistical base, significantly disrupting their operations in the region.

Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, the OPWS Force Commander, was on ground to supervise the mission and commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism. He reiterated the commitment of OPWS to eliminating criminal elements in accordance with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

Gara also expressed gratitude to the CDS and other service chiefs for their continued support, noting that the operation’s success was made possible by timely resource deployment, effective inter-agency collaboration, and sustained offensive action.

He assured that the troops would maintain relentless pressure on criminal groups to ensure lasting peace in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.