Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected terrorist enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
This was disclosed in a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE on 15 September 2026.
The operation, conducted on 14 September 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in Ohimini LGA.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops, alongside the police and local partners, conducted an intelligence-led search and rescue operation within the identified areas. On sighting troops approach, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain, abandoning their victims in the process.
The troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way.
A vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.
Operation WHIRL STROKE commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims. The Force also appreciated the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes for their cooperation and valuable support.
OPWS further urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, noting that security is a collective responsibility.