Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated early-morning operation in Benue State, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, targeted criminal hideouts in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched aggressive patrols and sustained pressure on suspected bandits, forcing the abductors to abandon their captives and flee.
The rescued victims, identified as Mr. Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs. Chidinma Chikwentu, were kidnapped in separate incidents earlier in the month. Mr. Ebuka was abducted on April 2, while Mrs. Chikwentu was taken on April 6. Both individuals were recovered unharmed and are reported to be in stable condition.
According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, the success of the mission was driven by actionable intelligence and sustained operational momentum against criminal elements in the area.
Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication, describing the rescue as a clear demonstration of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring security.
He reassured residents of Benue State that operations will continue until all threats are neutralised, urging the public to support security agencies with timely and reliable information to aid ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other crimes.
