Benue: Military Rescues Two Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Suspects
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued two kidnap victims after foiling an abduction attempt along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
The rescue operation took place on October 24, 2026, during a fighting patrol when the troops encountered suspected kidnappers attempting to abduct motorists and other road users.
The suspects, who were armed with dangerous weapons, engaged the troops in a firefight but fled the scene after abandoning their captives.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects but did not make further contact with them.
One of the rescued victims, identified as Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, a native of Ahume, sustained machete injuries during the attack. She was promptly evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
Following the operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, directed troops to maintain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations against armed elements operating within the Joint Operations Area.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening human intelligence gathering to facilitate early detection of threats and ensure swift responses to security challenges.
The military commander also reassured residents of the task force’s determination to restore lasting peace and security in the area.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist troops in ongoing operations against criminal elements.
