RismadarVoice Reporters
September 26, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued six kidnap victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Makurdi.
According to Zubairu, five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while the sixth was kidnapped from his residence in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He said troops received information on September 25 about the presence of six released kidnap victims and immediately mobilised to the location.
“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops immediately mobilised to the location and successfully evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further necessary action,” the statement said.
During preliminary interviews, five of the victims reportedly told troops that they had been abducted while travelling along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
The sixth victim, identified as Munza Yusuf, said he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum LGA.
The six victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
Zubairu said troops had intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and apprehending members of the kidnapping syndicate suspected of carrying out the abductions.
He added that patrols and intelligence gathering were also being strengthened around vulnerable communities and major routes to restrict the activities of criminal groups.
According to him, OPWS has directed troops to remain proactive and vigilant in responding to emerging security threats while strengthening intelligence networks to facilitate the tracking and arrest of suspects.
Operation Whirl Stroke assured residents within its area of operation, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, that troops would continue efforts to curb criminal activities and protect lives and property.
The military operation said its efforts were also aimed at creating a safer environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other citizens across the affected communities.
