Troops raid kidnappers’ enclave, rescue seven in Benue

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

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Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night.

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Zubairu said the operation, conducted on September 14, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in Ohimini LGA.

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He said troops, alongside police personnel and local partners, conducted an intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation in the identified areas.

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“On sighting troops’ approach, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain, abandoning their victims in the process.

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“The troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way,” he said.

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Zubairu added that a vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.

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He commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which led to the safe recovery of the victims.

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The OPWS also appreciated the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.

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The command urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

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