Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), working alongside the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night.
According to Zubairu, the operation was carried out on September 14, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in Ohimini LGA.
He said the troops, supported by police personnel and local partners, conducted an intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation across the identified locations.
“On sighting troops’ approach, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain, abandoning their victims in the process.
“The troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way,” he said.
Zubairu added that security personnel also recovered a vehicle allegedly linked to the criminal operation and handed it over to the Nigerian Police Force for further action.
He commended the troops for their swift response, courage and proactive approach, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.
The OPWS also praised the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.
The command urged residents to continue providing security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.