Army Foils Kidnap Attempt, Rescues 10 in Benue!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully thwarted a kidnapping operation and rescued 10 victims in Benue State, reaffirming ongoing military efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeriaโs North-Central region.
What We Know:
- The rescue occurred during a night patrol near Agasha in Guma LGA.
- Armed assailants reportedly ambushed a commuter vehicle, abducting passengers at gunpoint.
- The troops engaged the kidnappers in a brief firefight, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives.
Quote:
โOur swift response neutralised the threat and ensured the safe return of all victims without ransom.โ
โ Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, Commander, OPWS
Why It Matters:
- Underscores the rising threat of roadside abductions in Benue and neighbouring states.
- Demonstrates improved response time and operational readiness of joint forces.
- Boosts civilian confidence in military-led security interventions.
What to Watch:
- Follow-up operations to capture the fleeing kidnappers.
- Reinforcement of patrols on key transit routes in Benue.
- Coordination with local vigilante groups for intelligence sharing.
Sources:
- OPWS Command Brief โ Nov. 4, 2025
- Daily Trust โ โTroops rescue 10 from kidnappers in Benueโ
- Nigerian Army HQ โ Situation Report (Benue Axis)
