By Jelili Gbadamosi
Six people abducted in Benue and neighbouring Taraba State have been rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF OPWS), during a patrol operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Makurdi on Saturday.
Zubairu said the victims were rescued on September 25 after troops, acting on credible intelligence, located them around the Gbise community and moved swiftly to the area.
He said the rescued victims were Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
According to the statement, five of the victims were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road, while Yusuf told investigators that he was taken from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims were moved to a safe location following the operation for necessary attention and further action.
The task force said it had intensified intelligence-led operations to track down members of the criminal group allegedly responsible for the kidnappings.
Zubairu said troops were also strengthening patrols and human intelligence networks to prevent criminal elements from operating along major roads and in vulnerable communities.
He urged personnel to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to emerging security threats.
The task force spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to protecting residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens across its area of operation while efforts continue to identify and apprehend those behind kidnapping and other criminal activities.
