Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have rescued six kidnapped victims in the Gbise community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The rescue was carried out on September 25, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the troops during a patrol in the area, according to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
The statement said the troops immediately mobilised to the location after receiving the information and evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further necessary action.
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.
Preliminary interactions with the victims indicated that five of them were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while Yusuf said he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The JTF said it has intensified intelligence-led operations to track and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks.
According to the statement, troops have also stepped up patrols and human intelligence gathering around vulnerable communities and major routes to prevent criminal elements from operating freely.
The task force further directed its personnel to remain proactive and vigilant in responding to emerging security threats, while strengthening intelligence networks to facilitate the identification, tracking and arrest of suspected criminals.
“Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in its mandate to curb criminality, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
