Security Breakthrough: Operation WHIRL STROKE Rescues Five Kidnap Victims in Benue State

Pressure Forces Kidnappers to Abandon Victims

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have successfully secured the release of five kidnapped victims in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The rescue occurred following an intense intelligence-led offensive that saw military personnel closing in on the kidnappers' hideouts, leaving the criminals with no choice but to abandon their captives and flee.

The rescued individuals, some of whom had been in captivity for over a month, have been identified as:

  • Babaji Muhammad (40): Abducted ten days ago along the Chede-Takun Road.

  • Sunday Yamusa (45), Annumba Obunde (40), and Babangida Ibbi (41): All abducted along Tor Donga Road and held for six weeks.

  • Doofan Ahula (54): Abducted along the Chede-Takun Road and held for one month and two days.

Arms Recovery in Katsina-Ala LGA

In a separate but related development on March 13, 2026, the JTF conducted a rapid response operation at Mtam Village in the Utange Council Ward. Although the bandits managed to escape—having been alerted by local informants—the troops successfully overran their camp.

The military exploitation of the site led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and equipment used by the criminal syndicate. Items recovered include:

  • Firearms: Six pistols and one Dane gun.

  • Ammunition: 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, and various rounds of 9mm and 7.62mm special ammunition.

  • Hardware: Five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, and one smoke grenade.

  • Logistics: Two motorcycles, desert combat boots, a pair of green camouflage, and several charms.

Force Commander Commands Professionalism

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their "doggedness and professionalism" during these high-stakes encounters. He emphasized that the operational momentum would be sustained until the region is purged of criminal elements threatening the peace of the "Food Basket of the Nation."

General Gara also extended his gratitude to the public, noting that the Mtam Village raid was a direct result of credible intelligence provided by patriotic citizens. He urged residents of Benue and surrounding states to continue their collaboration with the military by reporting suspicious movements within their communities.

Analysis: Dismantling the Katsina-Ala Kidnap Corridor

Katsina-Ala has long been a flashpoint for banditry and kidnapping, particularly the transit routes linking Tor Donga and Chede-Takun. The successful rescue of victims who were held for varying durations—ranging from ten days to six weeks—suggests that the JTF is now actively disrupting the kidnappers' "holding cells." However, the escape of the bandits in Mtam due to local "informants" underscores a lingering challenge: the presence of fifth columnists within rural communities. For the military to achieve lasting victory, the focus must remain on dismantling these local intelligence networks that serve as the eyes and ears of the criminals.

"The victims were released when it was apparent troops had closed in on the kidnappers leaving no room for them to manoeuvre. We urge residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts." — Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer