Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in the Gbise community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State. The rescue was made on September 25, 2026, during a patrol when troops received credible information about the presence of the kidnapped victims. Acting swiftly, the troops evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further necessary action.
The rescued victims were identified as Mr. Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Mr. Samson Magbo, 43; Mallam Alkasim Modu, 27; Mr. Manzo Bello, 27; Mallam Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Mr. Munza Yusuf, 25. According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, preliminary investigations revealed that five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while Mr. Munza Yusuf was kidnapped from his residence in Taraba State.
The rescue operation reaffirms the Joint Task Force's commitment to protecting lives and denying criminal elements freedom of action within its Joint Operations Area. OPWS has been conducting aggressive and intelligence-led operations to locate and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks. The operation's troops are also intensifying patrols and human intelligence gathering to prevent further kidnappings.
Lieutenant Zubairu stated that OPWS remains resolute in its mandate to curb criminality, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters, and other law-abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area. The operation has charged its troops to remain proactive, vigilant, and responsive to emerging security threats.
The kidnapping incidents in Benue State have raised concerns about the security situation in the region. The state's government has been working to improve security and has called for stronger collaboration with partners to address the issue. The rescue of the six kidnapped victims is a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in the region.
OPWS was established to address the security challenges in the region, including kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality. The operation has made significant progress in recent months, with several kidnapped victims rescued and many suspects arrested. The operation's success has been attributed to its intelligence-led approach and collaboration with other security agencies.
The rescue of the six kidnapped victims is a testament to the operation's commitment to protecting lives and property in the region. The operation will continue to work to ensure that the region is secure and that criminal elements are brought to justice.
Key points
- OPWS troops rescued six kidnapped victims in Benue State's Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on September 25, 2026.
- The rescued victims were identified as Mr. Gabriel Enujuba, Mr. Samson Magbo, Mallam Alkasim Modu, Mr. Manzo Bello, Mallam Sani Abdullahi, and Mr. Munza Yusuf.
- OPWS remains committed to its mandate to curb criminality, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for residents in the region.
