Troops rescue kidnapped mother, arrest suspects in Benue anti-crime operations

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects following separate intelligence-led operations across Benue State on Monday.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, confirmed the developments in a statement on Wednesday, saying both operations were carried out on March 24, 2026.

In the first operation, troops from Sector 1, deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka, acted on credible intelligence about the presence of armed herders in the Mbapa and Mbabuande communities of Gwer West Local Government Area.

On arrival, the troops conducted a thorough search of the area and discovered an abandoned hideout suspected to have been used by criminal elements. Subsequent clearance operations along River Akpako led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

In a separate but equally significant operation on the same day, troops responded swiftly to distress reports of a kidnapping at Tse-Ubena village, located in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, working alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, raided a suspected criminal hideout and successfully rescued the kidnap victim, identified as Mrs. Member Ityavber, 28.

She was subsequently debriefed, given medical care, and reunited with her family.

The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism in both operations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining security across the region, particularly as communities across Benue State begin preparations for the upcoming farming season.

Security operatives say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang behind the kidnapping.