Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims.
According to a statement released on Thursday night by the Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, the incident occurred on February 25, 2026, when troops stationed at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Otukpo, Benue State.
It was gathered that the troops received credible intelligence during a routine night patrol that an 18-seater Benue Links bus, with registration number TYK 221 YK, had been hijacked by suspected kidnappers.
The vehicle was reportedly conveying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receiving the distress information.
They trailed the suspected kidnappers along their escape route, applying sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims.
Although no direct contact was established during the pursuit, troops recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects at the scene.
Security operatives have since intensified efforts to track down the fleeing criminals and secure the release of any remaining victim.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency, noting that their prompt action prevented what could have escalated into a major security breach along the busy highway.
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He further urged road users to remain vigilant, especially when travelling at night.
Motorists were advised to be alert to unusual situations, such as a sudden absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch of road, and to pause where necessary to assess their surroundings.
Drivers were also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest security outpost to facilitate rapid response.
Operation Whirl Stroke, a joint military task force operating in parts of North Central Nigeria, continues to intensify efforts to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities in the region.
