Troops raid kidnappers’ enclave, rescue seven in Benue

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 kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night.

Zubairu said the operation, conducted on September 14, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in Ohimini LGA.

He said troops, alongside police personnel and local partners, conducted an intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation in 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,” he said.

Zubairu added that 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.

He commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which led to the safe recovery of the victims.

The OPWS also appreciated the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.

The command urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.