Troops Rescue 2 Kidnap Victims In Benue Raid

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two kidnap victims following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts in Benue State.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, which was shared on the verified Facebook handle of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday April 15, 2026, at about 3:50 a.m. in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of the State.

He disclosed that the troops successfully rescued Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu, who had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month.

“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued two kidnapped victims following sustained intelligence-driven crackdown on criminal elements operating within Kyado in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State,” the statement read.

It added that Mr Ebuka was kidnapped on April 2 at about 6:50 a.m., while Mrs Chikwentu was abducted on April 6 at approximately 5:13 p.m.

Lt. Zubairu noted that the breakthrough was achieved through “a combination of credible intelligence and relentless operational pressure mounted by troops on suspected bandit hideouts within the general area.”

He explained that the troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging criminal elements and disrupting their activities, forcing the abductors to flee and abandon their captives.

“This sustained offensive led to the recovery of the victims as their abductors fled. Both individuals were freed without sustaining physical injuries,” he said.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, describing the operation as a reflection of the effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions.

“The successful rescue is a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the determination of the troops to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” Gara stated.

He further reassured residents of Benue State and surrounding areas of the military’s commitment to sustaining ongoing operations until all security threats were neutralised.

Gara also called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.