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Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued five kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in a statement said the victims were released as troops had closed in on the kidnappers, leaving them with no room to manoeuvre.
The statement named the victims as Babaji Muhammad, 40; Yamusa, 45; Annumba Obunde, 40; and Babangida Ibbi, 41, all abducted along Tor Donga Road, while Doofan Ahula, 54, was abducted along Chede–Takun Road.
In a related development, on March 13, 2026, troops acting on further intelligence reports about bandits’ activities at Mtam Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA conducted a rapid response operation to the area.
However, the criminals fled after being tipped off by informants before the arrival of troops.
The troops, however, conducted exploitation of the area and recovered several items, including a pair of green camouflage, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, two motorcycles and several charms abandoned by the criminals.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their doggedness and professionalism during the operations.
He urged them to sustain the operational momentum in order to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the region, just as he expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible intelligence and encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescue five kidnap victims in Benue
