Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a 28-year-old kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in Benue. Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, on Thursday made the confirmation in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

Mr Zabairu said on 24th March, troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

He said, “Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, conducted a coordinated operation on a suspected hideout.

“During the operation, one kidnap victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued.

“The rescued victim 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.”

He stated that on the same date, troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders within Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in the Gwer West Local Government Area.

He said troops of Sector 1 deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka swiftly mobilised to the area.

“On arrival, the troops conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout.

“Troops continued clearance operations with further exploitation across River Akpako, leading to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he noted.

He added that the Force Commander, JTF OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Mr Gera further reaffirmed their commitment to secure their area of responsibility, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season. 

(NAN)

AEB/JNEO/PAT