Troops raid kidnappers enclave, rescue seven kidnap victims in Benue

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected terrorist enclave in Ohimini 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 Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

According to the statement, the operation, conducted on 14 September 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in Ohimini LGA.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops, alongside the police and local partners, conducted an intelligence-led search and rescue operation within the identified areas,” the statement read.

“On sighting troops approach, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain, abandoning their victims in the process.

“The troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harms way.

“A vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.

“Operation WHIRL STROKE commends the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.

“The Force also appreciates the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes for their cooperation and valuable support throughout the operation.

“OPWS further urges members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, noting that security is a collective responsibility.”