Troops rescue kidnap victim, arrest suspects in Benue raids
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects during coordinated, intelligence-led clearance operations across Benue State. A statement by OPWS spokesperson, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, indicated that the operations were carried out on March 24, 2026, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in the Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. […]
FILE PHOTO. Nigerian soldiers
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects during coordinated, intelligence-led clearance operations across Benue State.
A statement by OPWS spokesperson, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, indicated that the operations were carried out on March 24, 2026, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in the Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
Zubairu stated that following credible intelligence regarding the activities of armed groups in Gwer West, troops of Sector 1, deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka, raided the Mbapa and Mbabuande communities.
During the raid, they uncovered an abandoned hideout believed to have been used by criminals.
He noted that further clearance operations extending across River Akpako led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody undergoing investigation.
In a separate operation in the Katsina-Ala LGA, Zubairu stated that troops responded to reports of a kidnapping at Tse-Ubena village in the Yooyo Council Ward. Acting in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, the troops stormed a suspected hideout and successfully rescued a 28-year-old victim, identified as Mrs. Member Ityavber.
Zubairu added that the victim has since received medical attention and was reunited with her family after debriefing.
He stressed that security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining security operations across the state, particularly as communities prepare for the upcoming farming season.