The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 27 passengers who were kidnapped by armed men in Amoda community, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The daring operation, carried out by troops under Operation Whirl Stroke, took place over the weekend and saw the army storm the kidnappers’ camp, overpower them, and free the victims without reported casualties on the side of the military or the abductees.
A statement released by the Army confirmed that the rescue is part of its ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-crime efforts across the country.
According to the statement, “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out a precise and coordinated operation in Ohimini LGA, Benue State, where 27 kidnapped passengers were safely rescued from their captors. The criminals were forced to flee, and the victims were reunited with their families.”
The Army noted that the operation was made possible through credible intelligence and swift military response, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
The success in Benue is part of a broader set of military operations taking place nationwide, aimed at tackling insecurity in different parts of the country.
Across various theatres of operation, the Army reported that a total of 15 terrorists were neutralized, 42 suspects were arrested, and 30 kidnapped victims were rescued in the past few days.
In the North East region, soldiers engaged Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in several communities including Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Banki (all in Borno State), and Gujba in Yobe State.
These operations led to the killing of 15 terrorists, the recovery of weapons, explosives, motorcycles, and communication equipment used by the insurgents.
A military source revealed, “The troops’ aggressive posture and tactical superiority in the North East continue to degrade terrorist activities in the region. Several enemy fighters were neutralised, and their hideouts destroyed.”
Meanwhile, in the North West and North Central zones, security operatives made several arrests related to drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
In Kaduna State, 15 individuals were arrested for being in possession of illicit drugs, suspected to be linked with criminal gangs operating in the area.
In Bayelsa, 25 persons were nabbed for their involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities, while two suspects were arrested in Delta State for related offences.
The Army also reported that in the South South region, multiple illegal crude oil processing sites were discovered and destroyed by troops. These sites were located in Imo, Rivers, and Delta States. Several equipment and tools used for the illegal refining and storage of crude oil were confiscated and destroyed.
The Nigerian Army has reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.
It highlighted that the recent successes are the result of increased cooperation with local communities, enhanced intelligence gathering, and the deployment of modern technology in tracking criminal elements.
Military authorities also called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stating that national security is a collective responsibility.
“The success of these operations shows that when the people cooperate with the security agencies, criminals have no hiding place,” the statement added.
Operation Whirl Stroke was launched in 2018 to combat armed herdsmen, bandits, and other violent groups operating in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and parts of Plateau State. The operation has since expanded to tackle wider security challenges, especially in the Middle Belt region.
The rescue of 27 kidnapped passengers in Benue is one of the major achievements of the operation this year, offering hope to residents of the state who have endured several attacks and abductions over the past months.
Many communities in Benue have been affected by clashes between farmers and armed herders, as well as incidents of kidnapping for ransom. The state government has repeatedly called for greater federal support in addressing the crisis.
