Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Benue State After Swift Pursuit Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped civilians following a swift response to a distress call along the Ochumekwu–Ugbobi road in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, when troops of Sector 2 OPWS deployed at Ochumekwu mobilised after receiving reports of kidnapping activities in the area.
The sources said that upon arrival, troops confirmed that two civilians had been abducted by armed assailants along the route.
According to the sources, troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, tracking the withdrawal route of the kidnappers through surrounding terrain.
The sustained pursuit reportedly forced the abductors to abandon the victims and flee, leading to the successful rescue of the two civilians.
Military authorities said the rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for profiling and further necessary action.
They added that troops have continued patrols and surveillance operations in the general area to prevent further criminal activity and to track down the fleeing suspects.
