Troops Free Kidnap Victim, Seize Weapons in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered weapons during an operation against armed bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

According to him, troops acted on credible intelligence about suspected kidnappers terrorizing residents around Agera Nagu in Mbagina, Michihe Council Ward. In collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), they engaged the criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to flee and abandon their victim, 43-year-old Mr. Teryima Torbee, who was rescued unharmed.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. The statement confirmed that normalcy has been restored, with troops sustaining aggressive patrols in the locality.

The Force Commander commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, while also praising the support of the Civil Protection Guard. He urged communities to continue providing timely information to security agencies.