Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have successfully rescued two Nigerian Immigration Service officers who were kidnapped in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The daring operation, carried out on Thursday, September 26, 2025, followed credible intelligence about the abduction of the officers. The victims, identified as David Iorwuese James and Orasuur Oliver, were rescued unharmed during a coordinated search-and-rescue mission led by the military.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force, OPWS, confirmed the rescue in an official statement on Friday.
He explained that the operation was launched after security forces received actionable intelligence from relevant authorities about the whereabouts of the kidnapped officers. The troops swiftly moved into action, targeting two key locations — Tse Tembe and Adamawa Village — in the Azendeshi Council Ward of Ukum LGA.
“The troops carried out the operation with precision and speed, which forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee. The officers were rescued at Adamawa Village without any exchange of fire,” Lt. Zubairu stated.
The rescued officers are currently under the care of the troops, receiving preliminary medical attention and undergoing debriefing procedures to gather further intelligence.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and swift response. He described the success of the operation as a clear example of the military’s dedication to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of security personnel and civilians alike.
General Gara highlighted the importance of joint efforts between the military and local communities, noting that timely and credible information from residents is key to defeating criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and banditry, in the region.
He also reassured citizens that the Nigerian military, through Operation WHIRL STROKE, remains committed to protecting farming communities and maintaining security in Benue and neighbouring states. According to him, these efforts are crucial to enabling farmers to return to their farmlands without fear, which in turn supports food security in the country.
Ukum LGA, and other parts of Benue State, have in recent years experienced frequent attacks and abductions, especially targeting rural areas. Operation WHIRL STROKE, a special military task force set up by the Federal Government in 2018, has been instrumental in tackling armed banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and kidnapping in the North-Central region.
