Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Benue as Military Intensifies Crackdown
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims in Benue State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation targeting criminal hideouts in Ukum Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force.
According to the statement, the operation, carried out in the early hours of April 15, 2026, led to the safe rescue of Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Chidinma Chikwentu who had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month.
Mr. Ebuka was reportedly kidnapped on April 2, while Mrs. Chikwentu was abducted on April 6. Both victims were rescued unhurt after troops mounted sustained pressure on suspected bandits operating around Kyado in Ukum LGA.
Military sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging criminal elements from their hideouts.
“The sustained offensive operations forced the abductors to flee, leading to the safe recovery of the victims without any physical injuries,” the statement noted.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gora commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience.
“This successful rescue is a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the unwavering determination of our troops to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” he said.
Gara reassured residents of the state of the military’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security.
“We will sustain ongoing operations until all threats to peace and security are neutralised,” he added, urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The operation underscores renewed efforts by security forces to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in Benue and the wider North Central region.
