Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF OPWS) have rescued six kidnapped victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Acting media information officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement in Makurdi.

Mr Zubairu said the troops rescued the victims on September 25 while conducting a patrol in the area.

He said the troops received credible information about the presence of the rescued victims and immediately mobilised to the location.

According to him, the troops evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further action.

He identified the victims as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.

Mr Zubairu said preliminary investigation showed that five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.

The media officer said Mr Yusuf disclosed that he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu general area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Mr Zubairu stated that troops had intensified aggressive and intelligence-led operations to locate and apprehend members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attacks.

He added that troops were also intensifying patrols and human intelligence gathering to deny criminals freedom to operate in vulnerable communities and along major routes.

Mr Zubairu urged troops to remain proactive, vigilant and responsive to emerging security threats.

The media officer emphasised that the task force was strengthening its human intelligence networks to help identify, track, and apprehend perpetrators.

He reaffirmed Operation Whirl Stroke’s commitment to curbing criminality and protecting lives and property within its joint operations area.

He said the operation would continue efforts to create a secure environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens. 

(NAN)