NIGERIA: Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims, Recover Arms In Benue Operation

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued five kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Joint Task Force, which said the victims regained freedom after troops intensified pressure on criminal elements operating in the area.

The statement reported: “The victims were released when it was apparent troops had closed in on the kidnappers leaving no room for them to manoeuvre.”

The rescued victims were identified as Babaji Muhammad, 40, who spent ten days in captivity after being abducted along the Chede–Takun Road; Sunday Yamusa, 45, who had been held for one month and two weeks; Annumba Obunde, 40; and Babangida Ibbi, 41, who were abducted along Tor Donga Road.

Another victim, Doofan Ahula, 54, was abducted along the Chede–Takun Road and held for one month and two days before regaining freedom.

In a related development, troops on March 13 conducted a rapid response operation at Mtam Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala following intelligence reports about bandits’ activities in the area.

Although the suspects fled before the arrival of the troops, soldiers carried out a search of the area and recovered several items abandoned by the criminals.

Items recovered include six pistols, a Dane gun, ammunition, magazines, two motorcycles, combat boots and camouflage clothing.

“The troops however conducted exploitation of the area and recovered several items including a pair of green camouflage, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines and three FN rifle magazines.”

The Force Commander of the operation, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication during the operation.

“He urged them to sustain the operational momentum in order to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the region.”

Gara also appreciated residents for providing credible intelligence and encouraged the public to continue supporting security agencies by reportin

g suspicious activities.