By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have arrested a suspected kidnapper and rescued an abducted victim in separate operations conducted in Nasarawa and Benue states as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-Central region.
The operations, carried out through intelligence-led missions and routine patrols, underscore the military’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.
Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that the successes were recorded in separate operations conducted between September 4 and September 6.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Adamu Lamu at Agyaragu in Nasarawa State on September 4.
The arrest followed a dramatic escape by a victim of the kidnapping syndicate, Mr Nehemiah Elisha, 31, who reportedly managed to flee from his abductors.
Military authorities said Elisha later spotted one of the suspected kidnappers at a market in Agyaragu and immediately alerted troops deployed in the area.
The troops swiftly responded to the information and apprehended the suspect, who was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate operation on September 6, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed at Torkula in Benue State, rescued another kidnapped victim during a patrol operation.
The troops were conducting a dominance patrol along the Umene-Torkula Road to deter criminal activities when they discovered the victim, identified as Mr Vincent Nyado.
Nyado was found tied and abandoned by the roadside after his captors allegedly fled on sighting the advancing troops.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victim had been abducted by suspected terrorists operating within the area.
The military said the suspected criminals escaped into nearby bushes upon noticing the presence of security personnel, leaving their captive behind.
The rescued victim was secured by the troops and provided immediate assistance, while efforts have commenced to obtain further intelligence that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
Operation WHIRL STROKE reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and other parts of the North-Central region.
The task force also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that effective collaboration between communities and security forces remains vital to defeating criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace and security.
