Army Foils Mass Kidnapping in Benue: 24 Passengers Rescued

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully thwarted a major abduction attempt on the Otukpo Enugu Expressway in Benue State.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 24 passengers, including 20 adults and four minors, who were traveling from Jos to Ibadan.

Ambush at Amoda

On the night of December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm, armed bandits emerged from the bush in the Amoda area of Ohimini Local Government Area. The criminals took over an existing checkpoint and intercepted two 18-seater commercial buses with the intent of kidnapping everyone on board.

Acting on a distress call, troops swiftly mobilized to the scene, leading to a fierce encounter:

A gun battle ensued between the troops and the bandits. Overwhelmed by the Army’s firepower, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding forest.

15 passengers were immediately secured and handed over to the police in Otukpo. Subsequent operations led to the rescue of nine more individuals (five adults and four minors). While 24 people are safe, search operations are ongoing to locate one remaining passenger still missing.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their “swift action and professionalism.” He reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to using intelligence-driven patrols to eliminate criminal threats in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.

In the spirit of the season, the Commander also extended Yuletide greetings to the community, urging citizens to:

* Remain united and shun violence.

* Embrace the virtues of love, humility, and compassion.

* Collaborate with security agencies to ensure shared prosperity and safety.