Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statetment, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE Lieut. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu said the operation, conducted on September 14, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in the local government area.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops, working alongside police personnel and local vigilantes, launched an intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation across the identified locations.
The suspected kidnappers reportedly fled into the surrounding terrain after sighting the advancing security forces, abandoning the victims in their custody.
The troops subsequently secured the area and safely evacuated all seven victims from the danger zone.
A vehicle allegedly linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation and handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
The headquarters of Operation WHIRL STROKE commended the troops for their swift response, courage and professionalism, which contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
The operation also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes in providing operational assistance and relevant intelligence.
The Joint Task Force urged residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities, stressing that effective security requires sustained cooperation between security forces and local communities.
