By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested suspects during intelligence-led clearance operations across parts of Benue State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
According to the statement, the operations conducted on March 24, 2026, targeted criminal activities in Gwer West and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.
It stated that troops acting on credible intelligence about armed herders mobilised to Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West.
“On arrival, the troops conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout,” the statement read.
The troops reportedly extended their operations across River Akpako, leading to the arrest of two suspects now in custody.
In a separate operation, troops responded to reports of kidnapping at Tse-Ubena village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The statement noted that troops, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, raided a suspected hideout.
“During the operation, one kidnapped victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued,” it stated.
The victim has since been reunited with her family after receiving medical attention and debriefing.
The Force Commander, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism.
He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to ensuring security, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.