Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued two kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led offensive targeting criminal hideouts in Kyado, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation which was reportedly carried out in the early morning of April 15, 2026, led to the safe recovery of Mr. Sylvester Micheal Ebuka and Mrs. Chidinma Chikwentu.
The victims were abducted in separate incidents earlier this month—Ebuka on April 2 and Chikwentu on April 6.
Military authorities said the breakthrough followed sustained pressure on bandit enclaves, driven by credible intelligence.
According to a post on The Nigerian Army Facebook page, troops launched aggressive patrols to dislodge the criminals, forcing the abductors to flee and abandon their captives. Both victims were rescued unharmed.
Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their resilience and professionalism, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the success of intelligence-driven tactics.
He reassured residents of Benue State of the military’s commitment to intensifying operations until all security threats are eliminated, while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other crimes.
