Security
Benue: Operation Whirl Stroke rescues six kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued six kidnapped victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were rescued on Friday, September 25, 2026, after troops on patrol in the area received information about the presence of six released kidnap victims.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the troops immediately mobilised to the location and evacuated the victims to a secure area.
The rescued victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
The statement said preliminary investigations indicated that five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
It added that Yusuf was abducted from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The task force said troops had commenced further intelligence-led operations to locate and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abductions.
It added that patrols and human intelligence gathering had also been intensified around vulnerable communities and major routes within its area of operation.
The task force urged its personnel to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging security threats while strengthening intelligence networks to facilitate the identification and apprehension of suspected perpetrators.
It said Operation Whirl Stroke remained committed to protecting lives and property and creating a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its joint operations area.
