Security Forces Rescue Seven Victims from Kidnappers in Benue

Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke, along with police and local vigilantes, have rescued seven people from a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The rescue happened on Monday after troops carried out an operation in Amla-Icho, Ogobia, and Anpekchi communities, where suspected kidnappers were said to be operating.

Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday night.

Mr Zubairu explained that the operation was based on reliable intelligence about the suspects' activities in the area.

He mentioned that the troops, along with police and local vigilantes, went into the targeted areas to search for the victims and disrupt the criminals' activities.

"When the suspected kidnappers saw the troops approaching, they ran away into the nearby bush, leaving their victims behind.

“The troops quickly secured the area and succeeded in rescuing seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of danger," he said.

Mr Zubairu also noted that a vehicle believed to be linked to the kidnapping was recovered during the operation and handed over to the police for further investigation.

This rescue comes as security operations against criminal gangs and kidnappers in Benue are ramping up.

On September 2, troops along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area killed a suspected bandit during a clash with criminals. Another suspect escaped, while troops seized a pistol, magazines, ammunition, and a mobile phone.

This operation followed an earlier encounter on August 19 along the Jortar-Atume axis in Katsina-Ala, where troops killed a suspected kidnapper known as "Cool Nigga" and recovered a motorcycle believed to be used by the gang.

Security forces have also increased their operations in other areas of the state after recent attacks on security personnel and civilians.

In Logo Local Government Area, an attack in Ayilamo on September 10 and 11 resulted in the deaths of four police officers and seven civilians, according to officials.

The State Security Service later arrested three suspects believed to be involved in the attack.

Mr Zubairu praised the troops for their swift action and commended the police and local vigilantes for their teamwork during the Ohimini operation.

He encouraged residents to keep sharing timely and credible information with security agencies about suspected criminals' activities.

He stressed that the partnership between security agencies and local communities is key to fighting kidnapping and other crimes in the state.