Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Benue State.
The victims, who were abducted by armed bandits along the Zaki Biam–Katsina-Ala road, were freed following a series of intelligence-led raids on the criminals’ hideouts.
Confirming the development, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, police, and local vigilante groups.
He explained that troops launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of the kidnappers and successfully engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the gang to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.
Our troops acted swiftly on the information received. The synergy among the security agencies made this rescue possible,” General Igbinomwanhia stated.
He assured residents that security forces remain committed to dismantling criminal networks in the state and restoring peace across affected communities.
The rescued victims have been taken to a military medical facility for evaluation and are said to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, search operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons from their camps.
We will sustain the pressure on these criminal elements until kidnapping and banditry are completely eliminated from Benue and its environs,” the Force Commander added.