Troops Rescue Abducted Woman, Nab Suspects in Benue
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested suspected criminals during a series of intelligence-led clearance operations in Benue State.
The operations, conducted on March 24, 2026, targeted criminal elements and armed groups operating in parts of the state, particularly within Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders in Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West LGA.
He said troops of Sector 1, deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka, swiftly mobilised to the area where they discovered an abandoned criminal hideout after a thorough search.
“Further exploitation operations conducted across River Akpako led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody undergoing investigation,” he said.
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In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of kidnapping at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, working in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, carried out a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout.
During the operation, a kidnapped victim identified as Mrs Member Ityavber, 28, was successfully rescued.
The statement noted that the victim has since been reunited with her family after receiving initial medical care and debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the task force to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring a secure environment for residents, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
PRNigeria reports that operation Whirl Stroke is a multi-agency security from the Defence headquarters tasked with tackling armed banditry, herders-farmers clashes, and other forms of violent crime in the North-Central region.
By PRNigeria
