Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Two Victims Along Naka–Ahume Road in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on October 24, 2026, when the troops encountered suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons while they were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users.
According to the task force, the troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee. The soldiers subsequently pursued the fleeing suspects, but no further contact was established.
One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical treatment.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, has charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed groups threatening the safety of residents within the Joint Operations Area.
He also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to enhance early warning systems and improve responses to security threats.
Major General Gara reassured residents of the task force’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
He further called on members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing military operations.
