Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and seized a large cache of arms in a major coordinated offensive across volatile communities in Benue and Taraba states.
The military operation, which spanned from Saturday through Sunday, marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves responsible for persistent violence and abductions in Nigeria’s North Central region.
A military source confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria that the high-impact operation was carried out by troops of Sector I, led by Col. K.O. Bukoye.
The offensive was supported by aerial reconnaissance and firepower from the Air Component and complemented by blocking maneuvers from Sector III troops in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Simultaneous ground assaults were launched in Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State—locations known for recurring incidents of kidnapping, arms trafficking, and communal clashes.
The source disclosed that troops made direct contact with suspected kidnappers and swiftly overpowered them with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Several others reportedly fled the scene, abandoning weapons and hostages.
A follow-up search-and-rescue operation uncovered 11 hostages—four women and seven men—being held in harsh conditions. All the freed victims were given immediate medical attention before being processed for safe return to their families.
Among the items recovered from the operation were four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, a locally fabricated dane gun, multiple magazines, and assorted rounds of ammunition.
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The troops also seized smoke canisters and ritual charms believed to have been used by the criminals for protection or intimidation.
In addition to the rescue and weapons recovery, the troops dismantled the kidnappers’ operational base, including logistical facilities used for coordinating criminal activities across state lines.
The destruction of the camp is expected to significantly limit the movement and operations of criminal groups in the area.
Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander of OPWS, personally oversaw the field operation and lauded the troops for their discipline, courage, and tactical execution.
He reiterated the force’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from the region and emphasized that the mission aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the broader security vision of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Gara also acknowledged the support of the Defence Headquarters and the Service Chiefs, noting that recent operational gains were made possible by timely deployment of resources, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and persistent military presence in flashpoint areas.
