RismadarVoice Reporters
March 26, 2026
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a 28-year-old woman, Mrs Member Ityavber, from suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The rescue operation, carried out at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward, followed reports of kidnapping activities in the area, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
Zubairu said the troops, deployed from Tor-Donga, worked in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to execute the operation.
“During the operation, one kidnapped victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued,” the statement said.
In a related development, troops also arrested two suspected armed herders at Mbapa and Mbabuande in Gwer West Local Government Area.
The OPWS spokesperson explained that the arrests followed credible intelligence, which led troops to conduct clearance operations in the area, including a search of an abandoned hideout believed to have been used by criminal elements.
“Troops continued clearance operations with further exploitation across River Akpako, leading to the arrest of two suspects who are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he added.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to maintaining security across the state, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
