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November 4, 2025
Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have once again demonstrated professionalism and commitment to duty by thwarting a kidnapping attempt and rescuing ten victims from armed kidnappers in Benue State.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday, by Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu,
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE.
According to the statement, on 3 November 2025, troops deployed at Kyado, while on mobile patrol along Road Zaki-Biam–Wukari received credible intelligence about ongoing kidnapping activities at a location identified as Quarantine Checkpoint.
The kidnappers were reported to be disguised in police uniforms attempting to deceive unsuspecting road users.
Upon receiving the information, the troops mobilized swiftly to the scene. On sighting the approaching soldiers, the kidnappers fled in disarray into nearby bushes. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects, following their tracks deep into the forest. During the search operations, ten kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
Among those rescued was Warrant Officer John Richard, a personnel of 6 Brigade Band, Jalingo, while two other victims are still unaccounted for as search operations continue. The rescued individuals were kept in safe custody and debriefed before being handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
He particularly lauded the tactical Commander for his exemplary leadership and proactive measures in combating criminal activities within the general area.
General Gara further assured the troops that, their sacrifices and dedication will never go unrewarded, urging them to sustain the tempo, maintain high morale, and continue to uphold the tenets of discipline and professionalism in all operations.
