Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Jevaun Rhashan
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have secured the release of five kidnapped victims during intensified military operations targeting criminal groups in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigerian authorities confirmed on Friday. The rescue occurred amid sustained efforts by the military to disrupt bandit networks and restore stability in communities affected by rising insecurity across the region.
Military officials said the victims regained their freedom after troops intensified pressure on the kidnappers through coordinated offensive operations within the task force’s Joint Operations Area. As soldiers closed in on suspected hideouts used by the kidnappers, the criminals reportedly abandoned the captives and fled the area to avoid confrontation with advancing troops.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Ahamd Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, the rescue formed part of ongoing operations aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement while dismantling their logistical networks.
The victims were identified as Babaji Muhammad, 40, who had spent ten days in captivity after being abducted along Chede–Takun Road. Also freed was Sunday Yamusa, 45, who had reportedly been held by the kidnappers for approximately one month and two weeks. Yamusa was abducted along Tor Donga Road together with three other victims who were also among those released.
Those individuals included Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both seized during the same incident along Tor Donga Road. Another victim, Doofan Ahula, 54, had been abducted separately along the Chede–Takun Road corridor and remained in captivity for one month and two days before his release.
Military authorities indicated that all five individuals were freed after the kidnappers realized that security forces had effectively surrounded their operating environment. With limited room to escape or continue holding the victims, the abductors reportedly abandoned them and fled into nearby terrain.
The rescued victims were later recovered by troops and are currently undergoing medical checks and debriefing procedures. Officials said the debriefing process is intended to gather information that may assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators and identifying other possible hideouts used by the criminal group.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, including parts of Benue State where armed groups exploit rural road networks and remote settlements to target travellers and residents. Security forces have in recent years increased patrols and intelligence-driven operations in response to the threat.
In a related development on March 13, troops launched a rapid response operation in Mtam Village located in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area after receiving intelligence reports indicating the presence of armed bandits in the area.
Military officials said the operation was conducted swiftly in an attempt to intercept the suspected criminals before they could relocate. However, upon the arrival of the troops, the bandits had already fled the area, reportedly after receiving prior warning from informants.
Despite the suspects escaping, soldiers carried out an extensive exploitation operation across the suspected hideout and surrounding areas. During the search, troops recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, military gear, and other materials believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
Items recovered from the scene included a pair of green camouflage clothing and desert combat boots believed to belong to one of the armed suspects. Troops also discovered a smoke grenade, along with a large quantity of ammunition consisting of 107 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm cartridges, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Further searches uncovered a locally fabricated Dane gun as well as six pistols. Security personnel also recovered five pistol magazines and three magazines compatible with FN rifles. The discovery of these weapons suggests that the group operating in the area may have been heavily armed and capable of conducting organized attacks.
Troops also seized two motorcycles believed to have been used by the bandits for mobility across rural terrain. Such motorcycles are frequently used by armed groups operating in forested or difficult-to-access areas because they allow rapid movement across narrow paths that conventional vehicles cannot easily navigate.
In addition to the weapons and ammunition, troops recovered several charms believed to have been carried by the criminals. Security analysts note that charms are sometimes used by armed groups in the region as part of traditional beliefs associated with protection during violent confrontations.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops involved in the operations, praising their persistence and professionalism in confronting criminal groups operating in the region.
He said the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons demonstrate the impact of sustained military pressure on criminal elements threatening communities in Benue and neighboring states. According to the commander, maintaining operational momentum is essential to ensuring that these groups are permanently dismantled.
Major General Gara urged troops to continue pursuing aggressive operations aimed at disrupting bandit networks and preventing them from regrouping. He emphasized that the military remains committed to protecting civilians and ensuring that communities within the task force’s operational area can live without fear of violence.
The commander also acknowledged the role played by local residents in providing intelligence that assists military operations. He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue reporting suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
Stone Reporters note that cooperation between security forces and communities has become increasingly important in countering criminal activities across parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Timely information from residents often enables security forces to respond quickly to emerging threats and prevent attacks before they occur.
Authorities say investigations are continuing as troops intensify patrols and surveillance across key areas of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Security officials believe the intelligence gathered from the recent operations may lead to further arrests and the dismantling of additional criminal hideouts in the region.
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