Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers who were travelling overnight from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident occurred around 10:00 pm on Monday, December 22, 2025, after troops on routine patrol received a distress call from the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. Acting swiftly, the soldiers moved to the scene where armed criminals had emerged from nearby bushes and temporarily taken over an existing checkpoint.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the attackers stopped two 18-seater commercial buses and attempted to abduct all the passengers on board. However, the prompt arrival of the troops led to a gun battle, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.

Fifteen passengers were initially rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were reported missing at the time. Further search and rescue operations later led to the recovery of an additional five adults and all four minors. The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo, while efforts continue to locate one remaining passenger.

Commending the troops for their bravery and professionalism, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised their swift response and reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states.

General Gara also extended Yuletide greetings to Christian faithful in the region, urging residents to remain united, shun violence, and uphold the values of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion during the festive season and beyond.

The successful operation adds to a series of recent breakthroughs by Operation Whirl Stroke in curbing banditry and kidnapping activities in the region, reinforcing security along major highways during the busy holiday period