Troops rescue 5 hostages, recover weapons in Benue

Tuesday, March, 17 2026 - Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued five kidnapped victims and recovered weapons and ammunition during separate operations in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Officer, HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend.

The victims, who had been held for periods ranging from ten days to over a month, were released after troops closed in on their abductors, leaving the criminals no room to maneuver.

The rescued include Babaji Muhammad, 40, abducted along Chede-Takun Road and held for ten days; Sunday Yamusa, 45, held for one month and two weeks; Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both abducted along Tor Donga Road; and Doofan Ahula, 54, held for one month and two days along Chede-Takun Road.

In a related intelligence-led raid on March 13, troops responded to reports of bandit activities in Mtam Village, Utange Council Ward, Katsina-Ala LGA.

Although the criminals fled before the troops’ arrival, security forces conducted thorough exploitation of the area, recovering six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, one Dane gun, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, two motorcycles, one smoke grenade, camouflage clothing, combat boots, and several charms reportedly abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and persistence during the operations. 

He urged them to sustain momentum in combating criminal elements threatening peace in the region.

Major General Gara also thanked members of the public for providing credible intelligence, stressing the importance of community cooperation in ongoing efforts to restore lasting security.

Security agencies have reiterated calls for residents to report suspicious activities promptly to support continued counter-crime operations in Benue State.