Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated early-morning operation in Benue State, military authorities confirmed.
The rescue took place at about 3:50 a.m. on Wednesday, in Kyado community, Ukum Local Government Area, following what officials described as a sustained, intelligence-led crackdown on criminal elements operating in the area.
The Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The victims, identified as Mr. Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs. Chidinma Chikwentu, were abducted in separate incidents earlier this month.
Mr. Ebuka was kidnapped on April 2 at approximately 6:50 a.m., while Mrs. Chikwentu was taken on April 6 around 5:13 p.m.
According to the statement, the breakthrough came after troops intensified pressure on suspected bandit hideouts through aggressive fighting patrols and targeted operations.
It was gathered that the increased military presence and sustained offensives reportedly forced the abductors to flee, leading to the safe recovery of both victims.
Officials confirmed that the rescued individuals did not sustain any physical injuries during their captivity.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and determination.
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He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military actions against criminal networks.
Major General Gara also reassured residents of Benue State and surrounding areas of the military’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security.
He emphasised that operations would persist until all threats are neutralised.
He further called on members of the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to curb rising cases of abduction and insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
