4 hours ago
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Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued two kidnapped victims during a sustained intelligence-led crackdown on criminal elements operating in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday at about 3:50 am, leading to the safe recovery of Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu.
According to a press release signed by the acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the two victims had been abducted in separate incidents earlier this month.
Ebuka was reportedly kidnapped on April 2, 2026, at about 6:50 am, while Chikwentu was taken on April 6, 2026, at approximately 5:13 pm.
The military said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and sustained operational pressure mounted on suspected bandit hideouts within the Kyado axis. Troops were said to have carried out aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging the criminal elements and disrupting their activities.
The pressure, according to the statement, forced the abductors to flee, leading to the successful recovery of the victims. Both victims were rescued unharmed and did not sustain any physical injuries.
Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as their resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty.
He said the successful rescue underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the determination of the troops to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
Major General Gara also reassured residents of Benue State and surrounding communities of the military’s resolve to sustain ongoing operations until all threats to peace and security are neutralised.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
