Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued a 28-year-old kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in Benue. The rescue operation was carried out in response to reports of kidnapping activities at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on 24th March. The operation involved troops deployed from Tor-Donga, who worked in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
The troops conducted a coordinated operation on a suspected hideout, resulting in the successful rescue of Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28. She is currently receiving care and has been reunited with her family after a debrief. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend members of the criminal syndicate responsible for the kidnap.
In a separate operation, troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders within Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in the Gwer West Local Government Area. The troops conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout. Two suspects were arrested and are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
The Force Commander, JTF OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed their commitment to secure their area of responsibility, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
The recent rescue operation by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue highlights the need for sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed herding activities in the state. The bravery and professionalism of the troops are commendable, and their commitment to securing their area of responsibility is crucial, especially as communities prepare for the farming season. The success of this operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in tackling these challenges. The arrest of two suspects and the ongoing efforts to apprehend members of the criminal syndicate responsible for the kidnap demonstrate the determination of the security forces to bring perpetrators to justice. However, the fact that kidnapping remains a persistent threat in Benue underscores the need for more effective strategies to prevent such incidents and protect the lives of innocent civilians.
