Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, following a coordinated early morning operation. The victims were recovered unharmed after days in captivity.

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued two kidnapped victims during a sustained intelligence-led operation in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, which took place at about 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, led to the safe recovery of Mr Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs Chidinma Chikwentu, both of whom had been abducted in separate incidents earlier in the month.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Mr Ebuka was reportedly kidnapped on April 2 at about 6:50 a.m., while Mrs Chikwentu was abducted on April 6 at approximately 5:13 p.m.

The military attributed the successful rescue to credible intelligence and sustained operational pressure on suspected criminal hideouts within the Kyado axis. Troops conducted aggressive fighting patrols aimed at dislodging the kidnappers and disrupting their activities.

The pressure, the statement noted, forced the abductors to abandon the victims and flee, leading to their safe recovery. Both victims were found unharmed and did not sustain any physical injuries.

Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, describing the mission as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations.

He reassured residents of Benue State of the military’s commitment to sustaining ongoing offensives against criminal elements, stressing that efforts would continue until lasting peace and security are restored.

The commander also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes.

By Benue Info-pedia