Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested suspected criminals during a series of intelligence-led clearance operations across Benue State.
The operations, conducted on March 24, targeted criminal hideouts in Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, leading to what military authorities described as “significant operational successes.”
Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the operations were driven by credible intelligence on the movement and activities of armed elements in the affected communities.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded significant operational successes following intelligence-led clearance operations conducted on 24 March 2026 across parts of Benue State,” he stated.
According to him, troops of Sector 1, deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka, were mobilised to Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West Local Government Area following reports of armed herders operating in the area.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of armed herders within Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West Local Government Area, troops swiftly mobilised to the area,” Zubairu said.
He disclosed that upon arrival, troops uncovered a suspected criminal hideout believed to have been hastily abandoned.
“On arrival, the troops conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout,” he added.
The troops, he said, continued with clearance operations across River Akpako, where two suspects were eventually apprehended.
“Troops continued clearance operations with further exploitation across River Akpako leading to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he noted.
In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to a distress call over a kidnapping incident at Tse-Ubena village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
“Troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area,” Zubairu said.
He explained that troops deployed from Tor-Donga, working alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, carried out a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout.
“Troops, in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, conducted a coordinated operation on a suspected hideout,” he stated.
The operation led to the successful rescue of a 28-year-old woman identified as Mrs. Member Ityavber.
“During the operation, one kidnapped victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued,” Zubairu confirmed.
He added that the victim has since been reunited with her family after receiving necessary care and debriefing.
“The rescued victim is currently receiving care and has been re-united with her family after a debrief,” he said.
The military also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend members of the criminal syndicate responsible for the kidnap,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift and professional conduct during the operations.
“The Force Commander commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism,” Zubairu stated.
He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining security across the region, especially as residents prepare for the farming season.
“He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to ensuring a secure environment, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season,” he said.
The Nigerian Army assured residents of its continued resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace across affected communities.
