Military Kills 2 Kidnappers, Rescue 3 Victims, Recover Weapons in Benue
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, have neutralised two suspected kidnappers, rescued three abducted victims and recovered a cache of arms and military-style equipment during a clearance operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 3:00 a.m. on July 17 in the Tse-Togo and Utenge communities following credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint security team launched a fighting patrol and engaged the armed criminals in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the death of two suspected kidnappers. Three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during the operation.
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Following the successful rescue, troops exploited the kidnappers’ hideouts and recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and other operational items.
The recovered exhibits include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition, two sets of woodland camouflage uniforms, two sets of desert camouflage uniforms, one Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal and one Tetron communication device.
The recovered weapons and other items have been taken into military custody, while the rescued victims were profiled and subsequently reunited with their families.
Military authorities said troops have sustained clearance operations across the area to track down fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, dismantle their remaining hideouts and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The latest operation underscores the continued commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE and other security agencies to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Benue State.
By PRNigeria
