Monday, March, 9 2026 - Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped bankers following an operation in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information
Officer, HQ JTF operation WHIRL STROKE, who disclosed this in a statement on
Saturday, 7 March 2026, said the victims, both staff members of Unity Bank,
Benue State, were abducted a few days ago.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE
(OPWS) successfully rescued two kidnap victims following an intelligence-led
search and rescue operation conducted in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local
Government Area of Taraba State, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their
captives and flee,” the statement read.
"The operation was launched in the early hours of 6
March 2026 following credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorist
and their victims within the general area.
"Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, OPWS troops
conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the
terrorist and safely recovering the victims.
"During the operation, troops thoroughly searched
suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found
nothing unusual.
"However, further intelligence obtained indicated that
the kidnappers and their victims were still trapped within the general area.
"In response to the new development, additional troops
led by the Sub-Sector Commander were deployed to reinforce the search operation
and intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
"The troops subsequently extended the search to
surrounding settlements including Tse Anaka.
"A sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced
the terrorist to abandon their captives and flee the area.
"The rescued victims were later identified as Mr Marwan
Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank from
Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
"No direct contact was made with the fleeing terrorist
during the operation.
"However, troops recovered a motorcycle suspected to
have been used by the terrorist along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.
"The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL
STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their
professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.
"He noted that the success of the operation
demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating
kidnapping and other terrorist activities within the Joint Operations Area.
"Major General Gara further reassured residents of
Taraba and neighbouring states of the Joint Task Force continued commitment to
protecting lives and property. “He urged members of the public to continue
supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could
assist in dismantling criminal networks operating within the region.”
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