Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers and forcing the attackers to flee.
The incident occurred on 22 December 2025 at about 10:00 p.m. following a distress call that prompted troops on routine patrol to swiftly mobilise to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. On arrival, the troops encountered armed criminals who had emerged from the bush and briefly taken over an existing checkpoint.
The assailants reportedly stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct the passengers. However, the prompt intervention of troops led to a firefight, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
During the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Otukpo. While six adults and four minors were initially declared missing, follow-up operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and all four minors, who are now in the custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo. Search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, noting that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated efforts with sister security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Major General Gara also extended Christmas and Yuletide greetings to Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, which covers Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. He prayed for God’s mercy, peace, and enduring joy for families and communities, and urged residents to remain united, shun violence, and uphold the values of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion throughout the festive season and beyond.