RismadarVoice Reporters
March 8, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued two kidnapped staff members of Unity Bank during a search-and-rescue operation in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims, identified as Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37, were earlier abducted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the rescue followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed criminals and their captives in the area.
According to him, troops swiftly launched an aggressive search-and-rescue mission to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorists and safely recovering the victims,” the statement read.
Zubairu said troops initially searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but found no immediate trace of the kidnappers.
“Troops thoroughly searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found nothing unusual. Further intelligence indicated the kidnappers and their victims remained in the area,” he added.
Following the development, additional troops led by the Sub-Sector Commander were deployed to reinforce the operation, which was extended to neighbouring settlements, including Tse Anaka.
The sustained pressure from the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and flee. The victims were safely recovered, and a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route to Tse Anaka Village,” Zubairu stated.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led strategies in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring areas of the Joint Task Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Gara urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
