Troops Rescue Nine Abducted Passengers In Benue, Arrest Two Suspects

Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued nine kidnap victims in the Owukpa forest, located in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were said to be abducted in a commercial vehicle along the Otukpa/Enugu Highway on January 11, 2024.

The Force Commander, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia who gave the details during a briefing with journalists in Makurdi, on Thursday said the rescue operation was a joint effort involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard.

The operation, conducted on January 16, 2024, was based on credible intelligence regarding the hideout of suspected kidnappers in the Owukpa Forest.

Igbinowanhia stated, “The operation was premised on the kidnapping of passengers transiting in a commercial bus along Otukpa – Enugu Road on January 11, 2024. Nine passengers, eight females and one male passenger were rescued from the suspected kidnappers.”

During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were apprehended and items recovered included one AK-47 rifle and 10 mobile phones.

The rescued kidnap victims were released to continue their journey to their respective destinations.

The Force Commander expressed appreciation to the locals for providing crucial information leading to the discovery of the kidnappers’ hideout and the subsequent successful rescue.

He urged residents in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to continue using the emergency numbers provided by the command to relay credible information to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).