Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Bank Workers in Taraba
Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnap victims during an intelligence-led search operation in Gborgbor Village of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Spokesperson of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said on Sunday that the rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday following credible intelligence that armed […]
Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnap victims during an intelligence-led search operation in Gborgbor Village of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Spokesperson of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said on Sunday that the rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday following credible intelligence that armed kidnappers and their captives were hiding within the area.
He said that the troops, acting on the intelligence, launched a coordinated search of suspected hideouts in Gborgbor village but initially found no trace of the victims or their captors.
Zubairu explained that fresh intelligence later revealed that the kidnappers were still operating within the general area, prompting reinforcement of the operation by additional troops led by the sub-sector commander.
He said the search was subsequently extended to neighbouring settlements, including Tse Anaka village, as troops intensified efforts to locate the victims.
According to him, the sustained pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
The rescued victims were identified as Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff of Unity Bank in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Zubairu added that although troops did not make direct contact with the fleeing kidnappers, a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route leading to Tse Anaka village.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.
He said the success of the mission demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities within the joint operations area.
Gara also reassured residents of Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states of the task force’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.