Op Whirl Stroke: 657 Hostages Freed, 124 Criminals Neutralised in Benue, Taraba in 12 Months
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued no fewer than 657 kidnapped victims and neutralised 124 armed criminals across Benue and Taraba states within the last 12 months, the military has disclosed.
The Commander of 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Kolawale Bukoye,
revealed this on Tuesday while briefing Defence Correspondents during a fact-finding media tour of the operation’s Area of Responsibility.
Bukoye, who represented the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Dara, presented a comprehensive overview of the troops’ activities and operational gains in tackling security threats in the region.
According to him, the successes recorded were the outcome of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven raids, and continuous presence of troops in flashpoint communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence.
Bukoye explained that within the period under review, troops conducted several clearance operations, cordon-and-search missions, and patrols that led to the rescue of abducted victims from criminal camps, as well as the neutralisation of armed elements who resisted arrest.
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He added that large quantities of arms, ammunition, and logistics belonging to criminal gangs were also recovered, significantly degrading their operational capabilities and restoring confidence among local communities.
The brigade commander noted that the general security situation across the operation’s area had improved considerably, stressing that key communities previously deserted by residents were witnessing gradual return of normal economic and social activities.
Speaking specifically on Yelwata community, Bukoye stated that normalcy had fully returned, attributing the calm to sustained military presence and proactive engagements with local stakeholders. He said there was currently no security threat in the area, describing the community as stable and peaceful.
Defence correspondents on the tour observed that the general area remained calm, with some indigenous farmers already returning to their farmlands as troops continued to contain insecurity.
Bukoye reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to sustaining the gains achieved, noting that troops would continue to work closely with other security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
The media tour was an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, aimed at giving defence correspondents the opportunity to independently assess the security situation across various theatres of operation and provide accurate, first-hand reports to the public.
By PRNigeria
