By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration 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.
According to an official statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, the rescue operation was conducted on September 14, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops, alongside personnel of the police and local vigilantes, conducted an intelligence-led search and rescue operation within the identified areas.
The statement said the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain upon sighting the approaching troops, abandoning their victims in the process.
The troops subsequently secured the area and rescued the seven victims, bringing them to safety.
A vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation and handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.
Operation WHIRL STROKE commended the troops for their swift response, courage and proactive action, which led to the safe recovery of the victims.
The Joint Task Force also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, describing their cooperation as valuable to the success of the operation.
The command urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
