Benue: Troops recover arms, rescue five kidnap victims in Katsina-Ala

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued five kidnapped victims and recovered several weapons and ammunition during separate operations in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources disclosed on Saturday that the victims, who had been in captivity for periods ranging from ten days to more than one month, regained their freedom after troops intensified pressure on the abductors, forcing the criminals to abandon them.

The rescued include Babaji Muhammad, 40, abducted along Chede-Takun Road and held for ten days; Sunday Yamusa, 45, held for one month and two weeks; Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, both abducted along Tor Donga Road; and Doofan Ahula, 54, held for one month and two days along Chede-Takun Road.

In another development, troops acting on intelligence on March 13 carried out a raid following reports of bandit activities in Mtam Village, Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

Although the suspected criminals fled before the arrival of the troops, the soldiers combed the area and discovered several items believed to have been abandoned during the escape.

Items recovered included six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, one Dane gun, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, two motorcycles, one smoke, grenade, camouflage clothing, combat boots, and several charms reportedly abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and persistence during the operations.

He urged them to sustain momentum in combating criminal elements threatening peace in the region.

Major General Gara also thanked members of the public for providing credible intelligence, stressing the importance of community cooperation in ongoing efforts to restore lasting security.

Security agencies have reiterated calls for residents to report suspicious activities promptly to support continued counter-crime operations in Benue State.