Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims, Seize Weapons in Benue State Operations
In a significant security breakthrough, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued five kidnapped victims and recovered a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition during separate operations in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operations, which highlight ongoing efforts to combat criminality in the region, were disclosed in a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, over the weekend.
Victims Freed After Prolonged Captivity
The rescued victims had endured harrowing periods of captivity, ranging from ten days to over a month, before troops intervened. According to military reports, the victims were released after security forces closed in on their abductors, leaving the criminals with no room to maneuver or escape. The successful rescues underscore the tactical precision and determination of the troops involved.
The rescued individuals include:
- Babaji Muhammad, 40, who was abducted along Chede-Takun Road and held for ten days.
- Sunday Yamusa, 45, who suffered captivity for one month and two weeks.
- Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both abducted along Tor Donga Road.
- Doofan Ahula, 54, held for one month and two days along Chede-Takun Road.
Intelligence-Led Raid Yields Major Arms Cache
In a related development, on March 13, troops conducted an intelligence-led raid in response to reports of bandit activities in Mtam Village, Utange Council Ward, within Katsina-Ala LGA. Although the criminals fled the scene before the troops' arrival, security forces executed a thorough exploitation of the area, uncovering a significant cache of abandoned items.
The recovered materials include:
- Six pistols and five pistol magazines.
- Three FN rifle magazines and one Dane gun.
- 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition.
- Three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.
- Two motorcycles, one smoke grenade, camouflage clothing, combat boots, and several charms reportedly left behind by the fleeing criminals.
This recovery is seen as a critical blow to the operational capabilities of criminal elements in the area, potentially disrupting future attacks and enhancing regional security.
Leadership Commends Troops and Public Cooperation
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism and persistence during these operations. He emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum in the fight against criminal elements that threaten peace and stability in Benue State and surrounding regions.
Major General Gara also extended gratitude to members of the public for providing credible intelligence, highlighting the vital role of community cooperation in ongoing security efforts. "The collaboration between security agencies and local residents is essential for restoring lasting security and preventing future incidents," he stated, urging continued vigilance and support.
In light of these successes, security agencies have reiterated calls for residents to promptly report any suspicious activities, reinforcing that public involvement is key to supporting continued counter-crime operations across Benue State. This combined approach of military action and community engagement aims to create a safer environment and deter further criminal activities in the area.
