Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two bank workers who were abducted by suspected terrorists.
The victims were identified as Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37. Both are staff members of Unity Bank.
Reports indicate that the two men were kidnapped in Zaki-Biam, located in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Security operatives later traced them to Gborgbor Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday. He said the rescue mission followed intelligence reports that terrorists were holding captives in the area.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorists and safely recovering the victims.
“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,” the statement partly read.
Security forces later deployed additional troops under the leadership of the Sub-Sector Commander to strengthen the operation.
The search was expanded to nearby communities, including Tse Anaka. According to the statement, the sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and flee. The victims were safely recovered, and a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route to Tse Anaka Village,” Zubairu said.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their prompt response and professionalism during the operation.
He said the mission demonstrated the importance of intelligence-based operations in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Gara also assured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring areas that the Joint Task Force remains committed to safeguarding lives and property. He urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to assist efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the region.
