The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of five kidnapped victims in Benue State and the arrest of suspected arms couriers in Cross River State.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully secured the release of five individuals held captive in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The rescue occurred after intensive military pressure forced kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee.
The rescued individuals, some of whom had been held for over a month, were identified as Babaji Muhammad, age 40; Sunday Yamusa, 45; Annumba Obunde, 40; Babangida Ibbi, 41; and Doofan Ahula, 54.
In a follow-up raid on a bandit hideout in Mtam Village on March 13, 2026, troops recovered a significant cache of weaponry, including six pistols, a smoke grenade, and over 100 rounds of ammunition, along with motorcycles and military gear abandoned by fleeing criminals.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, praised the tactical execution of the mission.
“I commend our troops for their doggedness and professionalism during these operations,” Major General Gara stated. “We must sustain this operational momentum to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the region.”
Simultaneously, in Cross River State, troops of the 13 Brigade intercepted two suspects attempting to transport nearly 200 rounds of specialised ammunition.
The suspects, identified as Sunday Ayam and Afriday Augustus, were apprehended at a stop-and-search checkpoint in Obubra. They were found in possession of 192 rounds of Norinco and .223 Remington ammunition, typically used in AK-pattern rifles. Authorities believe the duo is linked to the ongoing communal hostilities in the Odonget area.
Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, emphasised that this arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illegal gun manufacturing and smuggling in the state.
“The arrest further demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks,” Brigadier General Alimikhena noted. “We will continue to sustain aggressive operations, checkpoints, and patrols to prevent the movement of illegal arms and ensure lasting peace.”
Military officials from both sectors credited “credible intelligence” for the recent successes and urged the public to remain vigilant.
“We encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies,” said Lieutenant Ahamd Zubairu Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer for Operation WHIRL STROKE. “This support is vital to restoring lasting peace to our communities.”
Both sets of suspects and recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue into their wider networks. #Securitynewsalert.com
