By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have foiled an ongoing kidnap attempt and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on 25 October 2026 by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on 24 October 2026 when troops encountered 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, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE and 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, and encouraged members of the public to provide credible, timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
