Army Rescues Two Kidnap Victims, Kills Four Bandits in Benue, Taraba

Troops from Nigeria's Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have reported significant successes in combating criminal activities across Benue and Taraba states. Between May 24 and May 31, operations led to the neutralization of four suspected bandits, the rescue of two kidnap victims, and the dismantling of a drug trafficking network.

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The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the assailants is ongoing.

In Benue State, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack on the Gbajimba-Agasha Road on May 24. They found two injured residents, who were evacuated for treatment while a manhunt for the assailants commenced. The following day, May 25, troops intercepted suspected abductors along the Antegh-Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area. The suspects fled upon sighting the troops, leaving behind their captives, one of whom was arrested. The rescued victims were reunited with their families.

Operations in Taraba State also yielded results. On May 24, troops engaged suspected robbers along the Rafin Kada-Donga Road in a gun battle, neutralizing two individuals and recovering an AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition, and N39,950.

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Troops neutralised two armed robbers and recovered one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition and the sum of N39,950.

Furthermore, the task force reported progress in its fight against drug trafficking. On May 23, a vehicle search in Makurdi uncovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash. A subsequent operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three more suspected drug peddlers, with additional substances, a motorcycle, and N40,000 seized. These individuals are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

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One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

In a final operation on May 31, troops raided a suspected bandits' hideout in Imande Igigh, Benue State, neutralizing two bandits and recovering ammunition and related items. The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain their operational momentum, appealing to communities for continued cooperation and timely intelligence.

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Additional substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 were recovered during the operation. Arrested persons are being processed to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.