Troops Intervene in Late-Night Abduction Attempt
On the night of Sunday, December 22, 2025, troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. in the Amoda axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, led to the rescue of 24 passengers.
According to official statements, armed criminals emerged from nearby bushes and temporarily seized control of an existing checkpoint on the highway. They then intercepted two 18-seater commercial buses traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, with the intention of abducting all passengers onboard.
Swift Response and Rescue Operation
The troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded promptly to a distress call, mobilizing to the scene. A firefight ensued between the soldiers and the kidnappers, compelling the assailants to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
The rescue operation unfolded in stages:
- Initially, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo.
- Following the initial rescue, six adults and four minors were declared missing.
- Subsequent search and rescue efforts led to the recovery of an additional five adults and all four minors.
This brought the total number of rescued passengers to 24, comprising 20 adults and four minors. The rescued individuals are currently in the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo.
Ongoing Search and Military Commitment
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for Headquarters, JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, confirmed the details of the incident. Search efforts are still underway to locate one remaining missing passenger.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, commended the troops for their 'swift response, courage, and professionalism.' He reiterated the Task Force's 'unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property' within its area of responsibility, which spans Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states.
5 Comments
Raphael
It's commendable that the troops rescued so many, but the fact that criminals could even attempt such an act on a major highway highlights persistent security gaps that need addressing.
Michelangelo
This incident demonstrates the bravery of our soldiers and the importance of their presence, but it also underscores the deep-seated issue of road banditry that continues to plague travelers across the region.
Raphael
The rescue of 24 passengers is a clear win for Operation WHIRL STROKE, yet the ongoing search for the last missing person reminds us that no operation is completely flawless and vigilance must remain high.
Donatello
Swift action saved lives. Kudos to Operation WHIRL STROKE!
Raphael
While it's good to see the military secure a win against kidnappers, this isolated success shouldn't overshadow the systemic problems of insecurity and the need for comprehensive strategies to make our roads truly safe.