Dare Babalola
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested suspected criminals during coordinated clearance operations carried out across parts of Benue State.
The operations, conducted on March 24, 2026, were based on actionable intelligence targeting criminal elements in affected communities.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, troops acting on credible intelligence moved into Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West Local Government Area over reports of armed herders’ activities.
Personnel deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka reportedly carried out a comprehensive search of the area, where they uncovered an abandoned hideout believed to have been used by criminal elements. Further operations extending across River Akpako led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
In a separate but related operation on the same day, troops responded to a reported kidnapping incident at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
Security operatives deployed from Tor-Donga, working alongside members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, conducted a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout. During the operation, a 28-year-old woman identified as Mrs. Member Ityavber was rescued from captivity.
The victim has since received initial care and has been reunited with her family after undergoing necessary debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism. He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to maintaining security across the state, particularly as residents prepare for the farming season.
