Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated offensives across parts of Benue and Taraba States.
A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the daring operation was executed between Saturday and Sunday by Sector I of OPWS, under the command of Colonel K.O. Bukoye. The operation, which included aerial support from the Air Component and blocking maneuvers by Sector III, took place in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Simultaneous assaults were also launched on criminal hideouts in the Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State.
“The operation, which demonstrated strategic joint-force coordination, resulted in a successful engagement with suspected kidnappers,” the source said.
“Upon contact, the troops overwhelmed the adversaries with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others fled, abandoning both captives and weapons.”
Following a thorough search-and-rescue mission, the troops recovered 11 hostages—comprising four women and seven men. All victims have received medical attention and are being processed for reunification with their families.
Among the weapons and items recovered from the criminal camp were four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, a locally fabricated dane gun, several magazines, and multiple rounds of ammunition of various calibres. Troops also recovered smoke canisters and fetish charms.
The operation culminated in the destruction of the bandits’ camp and logistical base, effectively denying the criminals freedom of action in the region.
The source also confirmed that OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, was on ground to oversee the mission. He praised the troops for their “gallantry and tactical discipline.”
“He reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to rooting out criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the broader vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the source added.
General Gara further commended the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for their continued support, attributing the success of the operation to prompt resource deployment, effective inter-agency collaboration, and sustained operational momentum.
“He assured that troops would maintain pressure on criminal elements and intensify efforts to restore lasting peace across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa,” the source concluded.
NAN
