Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued six kidnap victims in Taraba State, Nigeria. The rescue operation took place around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, adjacent to Taraba State. According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the acting media information officer for OPWS, the victims were rescued on September 25, 2026.
The six victims, who were kidnapped from different locations, were rescued in a swift operation after OPWS troops received information about their presence. Five of the victims were kidnapped along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while the sixth victim, Mr. Munza Yusuf, was kidnapped from his residence in Takum, Taraba State. The victims have been identified as Mr. Gabriel Enujuba, aged 50; Mr. Samson Magbo, aged 43; Mallam Alkasim Modu, aged 27; Mr. Manzo Bello, aged 27; Mallam Sani Abdullahi, aged 25; and Mr. Munza Yusuf, aged 25.
The OPWS troops have sustained aggressive and intelligence-led operations aimed at locating and apprehending members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks. The troops are also intensifying patrols and human intelligence gathering to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within vulnerable communities and along major routes. This effort is part of OPWS' commitment to curb criminality, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters, and other law-abiding citizens.
The rescue operation is a significant success for OPWS, which is a joint task force operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. The force has charged its troops to remain proactive, vigilant, and responsive to emerging security threats. OPWS has promised to strengthen human intelligence networks to facilitate the identification, tracking, and apprehension of perpetrators.
The victims are currently in a secure area, receiving necessary attention and support. Preliminary investigations with the victims revealed that they were kidnapped by a syndicate that has been operating in the region. OPWS is working to gather more information about the syndicate and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The OPWS operation is part of a broader effort to address the security challenges in the region. The force has been working to improve security and stability in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, and has achieved several successes in recent months. The rescue of the six kidnap victims is a testament to the force's commitment to protecting the region and its people.
The OPWS has assured the people within its joint operation area of its commitment to curb criminality, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters, and other law-abiding citizens. The force will continue to work to address the security challenges in the region and to bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- OPWS troops rescued six kidnap victims in Taraba State, Nigeria, in a successful operation on September 25, 2026.
- The victims were kidnapped from different locations, including along the Chenchengi-Takum road and from a residence in Takum, Taraba State.
- OPWS has sustained aggressive and intelligence-led operations aimed at locating and apprehending members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks.
