Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, working with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims from a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The rescue operation was carried out on September 14, 2026, following intelligence about the activities of suspected kidnappers around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities, according to the military.

Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the joint security team moved into the identified areas in a search-and-rescue operation after receiving information about suspected criminal activity.

The suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain when they noticed the approaching security personnel, leaving their captives behind, the military said.

Troops subsequently secured the area and rescued the seven victims without reported casualties among those being held.

A vehicle said to be connected to the suspected criminal operation was also recovered during the raid and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

The military did not disclose the identities of the rescued victims, how long they had been held, or whether any ransom had previously been demanded.

No arrest was announced in connection with the operation, as the suspected kidnappers were said to have escaped before security personnel reached their position.

Operation Whirl Stroke commended the troops involved in the rescue and acknowledged the support of police personnel and local vigilantes who participated in the operation.

The security formation also urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking kidnapping networks and other armed groups operating in the area.

Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint security task force involved in countering kidnapping, armed attacks and other security threats across Benue, Nasarawa and parts of neighbouring states.

The latest rescue comes amid continued security operations in Benue following a series of kidnappings and attacks in parts of the state.

Earlier in September, security agencies reported separate operations against suspected kidnappers and armed groups in Benue, including arrests and the rescue of other abducted residents.

The military said investigations relating to the vehicle recovered during the Ohimini operation would continue under the police.