Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have rescued a kidnap victim and recovered arms following a successful operation against armed bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the troops acted on credible intelligence about suspected kidnappers terrorizing residents around Agera Nagu in Mbagina, Michihe Council Ward.
The troops, operating in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, BSCPG, engaged the criminals in a gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their victim, 43-year-old Mr Teryima Torbee, who was rescued unhurt.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
The statement noted that calm has since been restored, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols in the area.
Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift action.
He also lauded the cooperation of the Civil Protection Guard and urged communities to continue sharing timely information with security agencies.
“Synergy and collaboration remain key to defeating criminal gangs and restoring lasting peace.’
Gen. Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to rid Benue and neighbouring states of banditry and other criminal activities.
