Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued six people who were reportedly abducted in parts of Benue and Taraba states.
The victims were recovered around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, according to the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
Zubairu disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
He said five of the victims had been abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while another victim was taken from his residence in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the statement, troops received information on September 25, 2026, about the presence of the six released kidnap victims and immediately moved to the location.
“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops immediately mobilised to the location and successfully evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further necessary action.
“During preliminary investigation with the victims, five of them reportedly disclosed that they had been abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
“The sixth victim, Mr Munza Yusuf, stated that he was kidnapped from his residence within the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State,” the statement read in parts.
The rescued victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Mallam Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Mallam Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
Zubairu said the rescue operation formed part of sustained efforts by OPWS troops to track down the criminal network responsible for kidnapping activities in the area.
He said troops were maintaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations, while strengthening patrols and human intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities and major routes.
According to him, the objective is to restrict the movement of criminal elements and prevent them from establishing operational footholds in the area.
The acting media officer said troops had also been directed to remain proactive and vigilant in responding to emerging security threats.
He said the task force would continue strengthening its human intelligence networks to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for criminal activities.
OPWS operates across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The task force assured residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its area of operation of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment.
(Ripples)
