The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to an official statement, the rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of April 15, 2026, at approximately 03:50 a.m., following sustained intelligence-driven efforts targeting criminal elements in the area. The victims, identified as Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu, were recovered safely without injuries.
Military authorities disclosed that the two individuals had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month. Mr Ebuka was reportedly kidnapped on April 2, 2026, at about 06:50 a.m., while Mrs Chikwentu was taken on April 6, 2026, around 05:13 p.m. Their rescue marks a significant outcome of ongoing military operations aimed at curbing insecurity in parts of Benue State.
In the statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Ahmed Zubairu Zubairu, the success of the operation was attributed to a combination of credible intelligence and sustained operational pressure on suspected bandit hideouts within the region.
“The breakthrough was achieved through a combination of credible intelligence and relentless operational pressure mounted by troops on suspected bandit hideouts within the general area,” the statement said. It added that troops conducted aggressive fighting patrols designed to dislodge criminal elements and disrupt their activities.
Military officials noted that the continuous offensive forced the abductors to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the safe recovery of the victims. Both individuals were reported to be in stable condition and did not sustain any physical harm during their captivity or rescue.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops involved in the mission for their professionalism and commitment. He described the successful rescue as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations in tackling insecurity.
Gara further stated that the operation underscores the determination of the armed forces to deny criminal groups the freedom to operate within Benue State and its surrounding areas. He reassured residents that efforts would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The region has experienced recurring cases of kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity in recent months, prompting increased military presence and intensified operations. Security agencies have continued to adopt a combination of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and ground patrols to address the situation.
Authorities emphasized that collaboration between the military and local communities remains essential in combating crime. Gara urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and accurate information that could aid ongoing operations.
Security analysts have noted that intelligence-driven approaches have increasingly played a central role in countering criminal activities across various parts of Nigeria. The use of actionable information has enabled security forces to conduct targeted operations, thereby improving response effectiveness and minimizing risks to civilians.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining operational momentum to prevent the regrouping of armed groups involved in kidnapping and related offenses.
Further operations are expected to continue in the affected areas as security forces intensify efforts to locate and apprehend fleeing suspects. Military authorities indicated that ongoing surveillance and patrol activities would remain in place to ensure long-term stability.
The rescue of the two victims adds to a series of recent operations aimed at addressing security challenges in Benue and other parts of the country, as authorities continue to focus on restoring peace and strengthening public confidence in security institutions.
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