Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued two bank employees who were abducted by gunmen in Benue State.
The victims, identified as Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank, regained their freedom during a military operation in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the victims were earlier kidnapped in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to the statement, the rescue mission was launched after security operatives received credible intelligence that suspected terrorists were holding captives within the community.
Zubairu explained that troops swiftly moved into the area and conducted a coordinated search operation aimed at locating the kidnappers and freeing the victims.
He said the soldiers initially combed several houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but did not find anything suspicious.
However, further intelligence suggested that the kidnappers and their captives were still within the vicinity, prompting the deployment of additional troops led by the Sub-Sector Commander to intensify the search.
“The operation was expanded to nearby settlements, including Tse Anaka, thereby mounting sustained pressure on the kidnappers,” the statement said.
According to him, the pressure forced the assailants to abandon the victims and escape from the area.
“The victims were safely rescued, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village,” Zubairu added.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism and prompt response.
He noted that the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Gara also assured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring communities of the task force’s determination to continue safeguarding lives and property.
He further urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.