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 attempting to abduct motorists and other road users during a fighting patrol along the route.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
The statement said the troops pursued the fleeing suspects but did not make further contact with them.
One of the rescued victims, identified as 36-year-old Mrs Mngunengen Ihom 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 groups 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 commitment to restoring peace and security across the area.
The force commander further called on members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.