Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road and rescued three victims without casualties.
The incident occurred on 25 February 2026 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Otukpo, while conducting a routine night patrol, received credible intelligence that an 18-seater Benue Links bus with registration number TYK 221 YK had been seized by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was reportedly conveying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.
Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route.
He said the prompt response of the troops forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims during the pursuit. No direct contact was made with the suspects. However, a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the kidnappers was recovered at the scene.
The Force Commander commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance and operational efficiency, stating that their swift action prevented what could have escalated into a major security breach.
He also advised road users to remain vigilant at all times. According to him, motorists should be cautious when they notice an unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch of road and pause to assess the situation where necessary. He further urged drivers to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to enhance rapid response by security agencies.
Operation WHIRL STROKE reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters and sustaining ongoing efforts to combat criminality across its area of responsibility.
