Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered weapons during an operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement on Monday that the rescue followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed criminals around Agera Nagu in Mbagina, Michihe council ward.
According to Zubairu, the troops, working alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), engaged the suspects in a gun battle on arrival at the location. The criminals were reportedly overpowered by the soldiers’ superior firepower and fled, abandoning their captive.
The victim, identified as 43-year-old Mr. Teryima Torbee, was rescued unharmed. Items recovered from the scene included one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
OPWS Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and quick response, which ensured the safe rescue of the victim and the seizure of the weapons. He also applauded the cooperation of the Civil Protection Guard and urged residents to continue sharing timely information to help security agencies combat crime in the area.
Gara reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to sustain aggressive operations aimed at clearing Benue and neighbouring states of criminal elements.