By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued six kidnapped victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following credible information received during a patrol operation.
The victims were rescued on Friday, September 25, 2026, after troops swiftly mobilised to the location upon receiving information about the presence of the released kidnap victims and evacuated them to a secure area.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the rescued victims are Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
Preliminary investigations revealed that five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while Yusuf disclosed that he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The statement said troops had intensified intelligence-led operations to locate and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks, while increasing patrols and human intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities and major routes.
Operation WHIRL STROKE also directed its troops to remain proactive and vigilant in responding to emerging threats, with renewed efforts to strengthen intelligence networks for the identification and apprehension of criminal elements.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and securing communities, farmlands and major routes within its Joint Operations Area.
