Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Rescue 11 Hostages, Recover Arms in Benue Offensive
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have launched a major coordinated offensive against armed criminal elements in Benue and parts of Taraba State, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims and recovering a cache of assorted arms and ammunition.
The high-impact operation, carried out between August 2 and 3, 2025, was led by the Commander of Sector 1, Colonel K.O. Bukoye, with support from the Air Component. The offensive targeted hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, while troops of Sector 3 established a strategic blocking position in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari LGA of Taraba State to intercept fleeing suspects.
Troops engaged the kidnappers upon contact, overpowering them with superior firepower. Two key suspects were apprehended, while others fled, abandoning their hostages and weapons. A subsequent search-and-rescue operation led to the recovery of 11 victims — four females and seven males — who were promptly given medical attention and profiled for reunification with their families.
A detailed sweep of the area led to the recovery of the following weapons and items:
4 FN rifles
3 G3 rifles
4 AK-47 rifles
1 PKT Machine Gun
1 locally fabricated Dane Gun
15 AK-47 magazines
3 FN rifle magazines
31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
184 rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition
1 pistol magazine
5 smoke discharge canisters
Several fetish charms
The bandits’ camp and logistics base were completely destroyed during the operation, significantly degrading the criminal group's operational capability in the region.
Reacting to the success, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, who personally coordinated the operation, commended the resilience, gallantry, and tactical acumen of the troops. He emphasized the commitment of OPWS to relentlessly pursue criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
Major General Gara also appreciated the CDS and the Service Chiefs for their continued support, particularly in providing logistics and fostering inter-agency collaboration. He assured that OPWS will sustain operational pressure and dominate the battlespace to restore peace and stability across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
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