Military Rescues Five Kidnap Victims and Seizes Weapons in Benue

Troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted successful operations, rescuing five individuals who had been kidnapped and recovering arms and ammunition in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Officer at the HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, made this announcement in a statement over the weekend.

The victims had been held captive for periods between ten days to over a month. Their release came after the troops effectively closed in on their captors, preventing them from escaping.

Among those rescued were Babaji Muhammad, 40, abducted along the Chede-Takun Road and held for ten days; Sunday Yamusa, 45, who was in captivity for one month and two weeks; Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both taken from the Tor Donga Road; and Doofan Ahula, 54, who was held for one month and two days along the same Chede-Takun Road.

In an accompanying intelligence-led operation on March 13, troops responded to reports of bandit activity in Mtam Village within the Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

Although the criminals managed to escape prior to the arrival of the troops, the security personnel executed a comprehensive search of the area, resulting in the recovery of six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, one Dane gun, 107 rounds of ammunition in 7.62mm x 54mm caliber, three rounds of special 7.62mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, two motorcycles, one smoke grenade, camouflage apparel, combat boots, and numerous charms left behind by the fleeing bandits.

Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism in the operations.

He encouraged them to maintain the pressure on criminal elements threatening the peace in the area.

Additionally, Major General Gara expressed gratitude towards the local populace for their invaluable intelligence, noting the critical role of community cooperation in the ongoing fight for lasting security.

Authorities have reiterated their appeal to residents to report any suspicious activities promptly to aid in sustaining counter-crime initiatives within Benue State.