Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims in Gborgbor village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

Lt Ahmad Zubairu, the acting media information officer, Headquarters OPWS, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. OPWS, headquartered in Makurdi, covers Taraba and Narasawa States.

Mr Zubairu said the operation was launched on March 6, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists and their victims within the area.

The media officer said the OPWS troops conducted an aggressive rescue mission to locate the terrorists and safely recovered the victims.

He stated that the initial search of suspected houses and locations in Gborgbor village yielded nothing unusual.

Mr Zubairu said further intelligence obtained indicated that the kidnappers and their victims were still trapped within the general area.

“In response to the new development, additional troops led by the sub-sector commander were deployed to reinforce the search operation and intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.

“The troops subsequently extended the search to surrounding settlements, including Tse Anaka. The sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the area.

“The rescued victims were later identified as Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank from Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

“No direct contact was made with the fleeing terrorist during the operation. However, troops recovered a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the terrorist along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village,” he said.

Mr Zubairu said the OPWS force commander, Maj Gen Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.

Mr Gara said that the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating kidnapping and other terrorist activities within their joint operations area.

He reassured residents of Taraba and neighbouring states of the joint task force’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.

Mr Gara urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely, credible information that could help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

(NAN)