Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have freed a kidnap victim and recovered a cache of weapons following a coordinated assault on armed bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
In a statement released Sunday by OPWS Acting Media Information Officer Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the troops moved on the criminals after receiving credible intelligence about a gang holding hostages and terrorising residents around Agera Nagu in Mbagina, Michihe Council Ward.
Working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), the soldiers engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to abandon their captive and flee.
The victim, 43-year-old Mr. Teryima Torbee, was rescued unharmed.
A follow-up search of the hideout uncovered one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, according to the statement. Security patrols have since been intensified to maintain calm in the area.
Force Commander Major General Moses Gara praised the troops for their swift, professional response and commended the cooperation of the Civil Protection Guard. He urged residents to continue providing timely intelligence to aid security operations.
“Synergy and collaboration remain key to defeating criminal gangs and restoring lasting peace,” General Gara said, reaffirming OPWS’s commitment to eradicate banditry and other violent crimes across Benue and neighbouring states.
Troops rescue kidnap victim, recover weapons in Benue operation