Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue victims in Benue

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled an ongoing kidnap and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 26, 2026.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on October 24 when troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities along the road.

The troops engaged the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims. 

One of the rescued victim, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, who sustained injuries, was subsequently evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, foiled an ongoing kidnap and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State on 24 October 2026,” the statement read.

"The troops bumped into the suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons while attempting to abduct motorists and other road users.

"The troops engaged the suspects in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee. The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing suspects but no further contact was made.

"One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, Age 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.

"The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, and the General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, has charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed elements threatening the safety of residents in the Joint Operations Area. 

"He also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to improve early warning and response to security threats.

"The Force Commander reassured residents of the Joint Operations Area of the Task Force’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security.

“He further encouraged members of the public to provide credible, timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.”