Troops rescue 11 hostages, arrest two in Benue-Taraba raid
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a major offensive across parts of Benue and Taraba States.
The joint operation, conducted between August 2 and 3, 2025, was led by Commander Sector 1, Colonel K.O. Bukoye, with coordinated air support and ground maneuvers from Sector 3.
DAILY POST gathered that the offensive targeted criminal hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito, located in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Simultaneously, Sector 3 troops were strategically positioned in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, to block possible escape routes for fleeing insurgents.
The troops stormed the enclaves with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Several others reportedly escaped, abandoning their captives and weapons.
A follow-up search-and-rescue operation led to the successful recovery of 11 hostages, comprising four females and seven males.
All rescued victims received immediate medical attention and were profiled ahead of reunification with their families.
Further search efforts led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, a locally fabricated Dane gun, 15 AK-47 magazines, and three FN rifle magazines.
Troops also seized 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 184 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, a pistol magazine, five smoke canisters, and several fetish charms believed to be used for protection by the criminals.
The troops went on to destroy the entire bandit camp and their logistics hub, effectively cutting off their base of operations and supply lines.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, who personally coordinated the mission, commended the troops for their professionalism and discipline under pressure.
“This operation reflects our commitment to decisively root out criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa,” he said.
General Gara also extended his gratitude to the Service Chiefs for their unwavering support and pledged that the momentum of the offensive would be sustained.
He emphasized the goal of restoring lasting peace and security across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
Troops rescue 11 hostages, arrest two in Benue-Taraba raid
