Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were rescued on September 14, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in the local government area.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the communities.

According to the statement, troops moved into the identified areas alongside personnel of the police and local vigilantes after receiving the intelligence.

It said the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain after sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their victims at the scene.

The troops subsequently secured the area and rescued the seven victims, taking them out of danger.

The statement added that a vehicle allegedly linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the raid.

The recovered vehicle was handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.

The statement said, “The troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way.”

Operation WHIRL STROKE commended the troops for their swift response and courage during the operation, saying their actions led to the safe recovery of the victims.

The operation also acknowledged the support of the police and local vigilantes, who participated in the operation.

The statement said, “Operation WHIRL STROKE commends the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.”

The military formation urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities in their communities.

It said, “Security is a collective responsibility,” while calling for continued cooperation between residents and security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.