Joint Task Force rescues two motorists after foiled kidnapping on Benue's Naka‑Ahume Road

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), intervened on 24 October 2026 after encountering armed suspects attempting to abduct motorists on the Naka‑Ahume Road in Benue State. A firefight ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. The security personnel pursued the assailants but made no further contact.

Two individuals were rescued. One, identified as Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, of Ahume, suffered machete wounds and was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for treatment. The identity of the second victim was not disclosed by the military.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer for the task force, confirmed the engagement in a statement released on 25 October, noting that the troops’ aggressive, intelligence‑led response compelled the kidnappers to retreat. He added that the operation was part of a broader directive from Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS and General Officer Commanding the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, to sustain intelligence‑driven actions against armed groups in the joint operations area.

Background

Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint task force established to counter banditry, kidnapping and other armed threats across several northern states, including Benue. The force operates under the command of Major General Moses Gara, who has repeatedly urged troops to enhance human‑source intelligence and community cooperation to pre‑empt attacks. Recent weeks have seen a spate of kidnappings in Benue, notably the 13 October abduction of Catholic priest John Inalegwu Otache and others along the Ugbokolo‑Ajegbe‑Awume Road. Police reported on 19 October that eight victims had been rescued and two suspects arrested, though the priest’s status remained unconfirmed.

Why it matters

The rescue underscores the persistent risk to travellers on Benue’s rural roads, where armed groups frequently target motorists and commuters. Residents are urged to provide credible information to security agencies, a call echoed by both Lieutenant Zubairu and Major General Gara, who stress that community intelligence is vital for early warning and rapid response. The incident also highlights the operational capacity of OPWS to conduct aggressive patrols and intervene during kidnapping attempts, potentially deterring future attacks.

What happens next

Following the engagement, OPWS troops continued to pursue the fleeing suspects, though no further contact was reported. Major General Gara’s directive remains in effect, calling for sustained intelligence‑led operations and increased community reporting. No further statements have indicated additional arrests or prosecutions related to this specific incident.