By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
The operation was carried out when the troops encountered suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons while they were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users.
In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmed Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops engaged the suspects in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
He said the troops pursued the fleeing suspects but made no further contact with them.
One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident.
She was subsequently evacuated to Naka General Hospital, where she received medical attention.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, has charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed groups threatening the safety of residents within the Joint Operations Area.
Gara also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to enhance early warning mechanisms and ensure prompt responses to emerging security threats.
He reassured residents of the task force’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
The commander further called on members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing military operations and efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.
