Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of weapons during a coordinated offensive against armed criminal elements in parts of Benue and Taraba States.
The high-impact operation, which took place between 2 and 3 August 2025, was led by Colonel K.O. Bukoye, Commander of Sector 1, with aerial support from the Air Component.
The assault targeted criminal hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito areas of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, while troops from Sector 3 mounted a blocking position at Gindin Mangoro, Wukari LGA, Taraba State, to intercept fleeing suspects.
The troops overpowered the kidnappers during a firefight, apprehending two key suspects while others fled, abandoning their captives and weapons. Eleven victims—four females and seven males—were rescued, given medical attention, and profiled for reunification with their families.
Weapons recovered from the scene include:
-
4 FN rifles
-
3 G3 rifles
-
4 AK-47 rifles
-
1 PKT machine gun
-
1 locally made Dane gun
-
15 AK-47 magazines
-
3 FN rifle magazines
-
31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
-
184 rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition
-
1 pistol magazine
-
5 smoke canisters
-
Several fetish charms
The troops also destroyed the kidnappers’ camp and logistics base, significantly weakening the criminal group’s presence in the region.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, who personally oversaw the operation, praised the troops’ gallantry and reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to pursue all criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
He also commended the Service Chiefs for their continued support and pledged to sustain operational momentum to restore peace and stability across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
