The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops operating under Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued two individuals who were previously kidnapped in Benue State.
The development followed a coordinated, intelligence-led crackdown targeting criminal elements believed to be operating in Kyado, a community in Ukum Local Government Area. The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and dismantle kidnapping networks within the region.
According to information released by the military, the rescue mission took place in the early hours of April 15, 2026, at about 3:50 a.m. During the operation, troops secured the safe release of Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu.
Both victims had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month. Mr Ebuka was reportedly kidnapped on April 2, 2026, at approximately 6:50 a.m., while Mrs Chikwentu was taken on April 6 at around 5:13 p.m.
Providing details of the operation, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Ahmed Zubairu Zubairu, explained that the success was driven by a combination of actionable intelligence and sustained military pressure on suspected hideouts.
“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 troops conducted aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging criminal elements and disrupting their activities. This sustained offensive led to the recovery of the victims as their abductors fled. Both individuals were freed without sustaining physical injuries,” he stated.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, discipline, and commitment to duty. He noted that the outcome reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations in tackling security challenges.
He also reassured residents across Benue State and neighboring communities that operations would continue until threats to peace and security are fully addressed.
In addition, the commander emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to provide timely and reliable information to security agencies. He stressed that community support remains a critical factor in combating kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity.
