Troops free 5 kidnapped victims, recover 6 pistols, others in Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims, recovered six pistols, cache of ammunition and military accoutrements in two different operations in Katsina-Ala area of Benue State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE announced this in a statement made available to the media on Saturday.

According to the statement, the victims who were kidnapped at various times and different places were freed by their abductors in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State when it was apparent that troops had closed in on them.

“The victims were identified as Babaji Muhammad, aged 40, who had spent ten days in captivity after being abducted along Chede Takun Road; Sunday Yamusa, 45 years, who had been held for one month and two weeks together with Annumba Obunde, 40 years and Babangida Ibbi, 41 years all abducted along Tor Donga Road while Doofan Ahula, 54 years was abducted along Chede – Takun Road and held for one month and two days,” Zubairu said in the statement.

He added that in a related development on 13 March 2026, troops acting on further intelligence report about bandits’ activities at Mtam Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA, conducted a rapid response operation to the area.

While the criminals fled having been tipped off by informants before the arrival of troops, he said conducted exploitation of the area led to recovery of several items including a pair of green camouflage, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, two motorcycles and several charms abandoned by the criminals.

“The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their doggedness and professionalism during the operations.

“He urged them to sustain the operational momentum in order to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the region. Major General Gara also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible intelligence and encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.