In a sweeping counter-insurgency campaign across Benue and Taraba States, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke successfully rescued 11 kidnapped victims and uncovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
According to a credible source in the military who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the high-impact mission was executed between Saturday and Sunday by troops from Sector I of OPWS.
The operation, led by Commander Col. K.O. Bukoye, was bolstered by aerial surveillance from the Air Component and coordinated ground maneuvers by Sector III in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.
The source disclosed that the offensive simultaneously targeted known hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito, located within the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“The operation, which demonstrated strategic joint-force coordination, resulted in a successful engagement with suspected kidnappers.
“Upon contact, the troops overwhelmed the adversaries with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others fled, abandoning both captives and weapons.
“A follow-up search-and-rescue mission led to the recovery of 11 hostages, comprising four women and seven men. All victims received medical attention and are being processed for reunification with their families.
“Items recovered from the criminal enclave included four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, one locally fabricated dane gun, and multiple magazines and rounds of various calibres.
“Troops also recovered smoke canisters and fetish charms,” he said.
The source further noted that the successful assault culminated in the destruction of the armed group’s camp and supply base, limiting their ability to operate freely in the region.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, was present during the mission and commended the personnel for their bravery and tactical precision.
“He reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to rooting out criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the broader vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Gara also appreciated the CDS and service chiefs for their continued support, noting that recent gains were due to prompt deployment of resources, effective interagency collaboration, and sustained operational momentum.
“He assured that troops would maintain pressure on criminal elements and intensify efforts to restore lasting peace across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa,” he added.