Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers who were travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, after troops on routine patrol responded to a distress call from the Amoda axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Acting Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said armed assailants had emerged from nearby bushes and temporarily taken over an existing checkpoint on the highway.
“The criminals intercepted two 18-seater commercial buses en route from Jos to Ibadan and attempted to abduct all the passengers,” Zubairu said.
He explained that the swift response by OPWS troops led to a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee into the bush and abandon their victims.
According to the military, 15 passengers were initially rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were briefly unaccounted for.
“Following continued search and rescue operations, five additional adults and all four minors were later found and have been placed in the custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo,” Zubairu added, noting that efforts were ongoing to locate one remaining passenger.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt action and professionalism.
“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across our area of responsibility through sustained offensive operations and intelligence-driven patrols,” Gara said.
He also extended Yuletide greetings to residents of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, urging citizens to remain peaceful and united during the festive season.
“We encourage everyone to shun violence and uphold the values of love, tolerance and compassion, which are essential for lasting peace and shared prosperity,” the commander said.
Operation Whirl Stroke has recorded several successes in recent months in curbing criminal activities across the region. In November, troops arrested three suspected armed criminals in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
