Nigerian Army troops codenamed ‘Operation whirl stroke’ have rescued two hostages who were abducted by gunmen in separate incidents at Kyado in Ukum Local government area of Benue State.
The rescue operation which took place in the early hours of 15 April 2026 at approximately 03:50 a.m., led to the safe recovery of Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu, unhurt.
In a statement, acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation whirl stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the breakthroughs, followed sustained intelligence driven crackdown on criminal elements operating in the area.
Mr Ebuka was kidnapped on 2 April 2026 at about 06:50 a.m., while Mrs Chikwentu was taken on 6 April 2026 at approximately 05:13 p.m, by abductors who left sustained offensive firepower of the troops.
The statement also said troops conducted aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging criminal elements and disrupting their activities.
Responding, the Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation whirl stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in the State.
Major General Gara further reassured residents of Benue State and its environs of the military’s resolve to sustain ongoing operations until all threats to peace and security are neutralised.
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