Two staff members of Unity Bank who were kidnapped in Benue State have regained their freedom after troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) carried out a rescue mission in neighbouring Taraba State.
The victims, Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, were earlier abducted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, before their captors moved them to Gborgbor Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.
Details of the operation were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and obtained by ENigeria Newspaper.
According to him, troops launched the rescue operation after receiving credible intelligence that terrorists were hiding in the area with kidnapped victims.
He explained that soldiers immediately began a search-and-rescue mission aimed at locating the criminals and freeing the captives.
Security operatives first combed suspected houses and other locations in Gborgbor Village, but the initial sweep did not yield results. However, fresh intelligence suggested that the kidnappers and their hostages were still within the vicinity.
The statement reads, “Troops thoroughly searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found nothing unusual. Further intelligence indicated the kidnappers and their victims remained in the area.”
To intensify the search, more troops were deployed under the supervision of the Sub-Sector Commander, with operations extended to nearby settlements, including Tse Anaka.
The increased military presence and sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape.
Zubairu stated that the two victims were recovered safely, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the kidnappers was discovered along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.
Reacting to the successful rescue, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift action and professionalism during the mission.
He said the operation once again demonstrated how intelligence-led military operations can effectively disrupt kidnapping and terrorist activities.
He also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing reliable and timely information that can help track down criminal elements operating in the region.
