Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have rescued six kidnap victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu said the victims were rescued on September 25, 2026, following credible intelligence received by troops conducting a patrol in the area.
Acting on the information, the troops immediately mobilised to the location and evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further necessary action.
The rescued victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
During preliminary interviews, five of the victims reportedly disclosed that they had been abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
The sixth victim, Yusuf, told investigators that he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Following the rescue, troops have intensified intelligence-led operations to track down and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to be responsible for the attacks.
The Joint Task Force has also stepped up patrols and human intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities and major routes to disrupt the activities of criminal elements.
Operation WHIRL STROKE urged its personnel to remain vigilant, proactive and responsive to emerging security threats, while strengthening intelligence networks to facilitate the identification and arrest of perpetrators.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminality, protecting lives and property, and maintaining security for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its operational area.
