By Odita Sunday
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued six kidnapping victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, as security forces intensify efforts to track down the syndicate behind their abduction.
The victims were rescued on 25 September 2026 after troops on patrol received credible information about their presence in the area and moved quickly to evacuate them to safety.
The statement was signed by Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Lieutenant, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE.
The rescued victims were identified as Mr Gabriel Enujuba, aged 50; Mr Samson Magbo, aged 43; Mallam Alkasim Modu, aged 27; Mr Manzo Bello, aged 27; Mallam Sani Abdullahi, aged 25; and Mr Munza Yusuf, aged 25.
During preliminary investigations, five of the victims reportedly told troops that they had been abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
The sixth victim, Mr Munza Yusuf, said he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Following the rescue, troops have continued intelligence-led operations aimed at locating and apprehending members of the kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the attacks.
The Joint Task Force said its troops were also intensifying patrols and human intelligence gathering around vulnerable communities and major routes to prevent criminal elements from operating freely.
Operation WHIRL STROKE further charged its personnel to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging security threats while strengthening intelligence networks to identify and track suspected perpetrators.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area.
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