By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims following a sustained, intelligence-led operation against criminal elements in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday at about 3:50 a.m., led to the safe recovery of Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Chidinma Chikwentu, both of whom had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month.
According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Ebuka was kidnapped on April 2, while Mrs Chikwentu was taken on April 6.
He explained that the breakthrough was achieved through credible intelligence and sustained operational pressure mounted by troops on suspected bandits’ hideouts within the area. The troops conducted aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging criminal elements and disrupting their activities.
“The sustained offensive forced the abductors to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the successful recovery of the victims without any physical injuries,” he said.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty. He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military actions in combating insecurity.
Gara also reassured residents of Benue State and surrounding areas of the military’s commitment to sustaining ongoing operations until all threats to peace and security are neutralised.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
