Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt on Benue Road, Rescue Two Victims
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
The operation took place on October 24, 2026, when troops reportedly encountered suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons while they were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users.
According to the Task Force, the troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee. The soldiers pursued the fleeing suspects, but no further contact was made.
One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence led operations against armed groups threatening residents across the Joint Operations Area.
He also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to improve early warning and response to security threats.
Major General Gara reassured residents of the Task Force’s commitment to restoring peace and security, while encouraging members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
