By Abdulqadir Muhammad Alhaji
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahamd Zubairu Zubairu, has announced that troops of the joint task force have rescued five kidnapped victims and recovered several weapons and ammunition during separate intelligence-led operations in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on March 13, 2026, the task force said the rescue followed sustained offensive operations by troops aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.
According to the statement, the victims were released by their captors after it became apparent that security forces had closed in on the kidnappers, leaving them with little room to manoeuvre.
The freed victims were identified as Babaji Muhammad, 40, who had spent 10 days in captivity after being abducted along Chede-Takun Road; Sunday Yamusa, 45, who was held for one month and two weeks alongside Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, after they were kidnapped along Tor Donga Road. Another victim, Doofan Ahula, 54, was abducted along Chede-Takun Road and held for one month and two days before regaining freedom.
In a related development, troops acting on intelligence reports about bandits’ activities in Mtam Village, Utange Council Ward, also in Katsina-Ala LGA, conducted a rapid response operation to the area on March 13.
However, the suspected criminals reportedly fled the location before the arrival of troops after being tipped off by informants.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of several items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects. The recovered items include a pair of green camouflage uniform, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, two motorcycles, and several charms.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and determination during the operations.
He urged the personnel to sustain the operational momentum in order to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region, while also appreciating members of the public for providing credible intelligence and encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
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