By Stella Odueme
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on October 24, 2026, when the troops encountered suspected kidnappers during a fighting patrol along the road.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, on Monday, the suspects, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users when the troops engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects but made no further contact with them.
One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was subsequently evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed elements threatening the safety of residents in the joint operations area.
Gara also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to enhance early warning and improve responses to security threats.
He reassured residents of the task force's continued commitment to restoring peace and security in the area, while urging members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.