Troops thwart kidnapping on Enugu–Otukpo highway, rescuing three Benue Links passengers in a swift Operation Whirl Stroke intervention

Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued three passengers travelling in a Benue State government-owned Benue Links bus along the Enugu–Otukpo highway, the military confirmed on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

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Acting Media Information Officer, Ahmad Zubairu, at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force disclosed that the incident occurred on Wednesday night when an 18-seater Benue Links vehicle, registration number TYK 221 YK, was intercepted by suspected kidnappers.

“Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims without casualties,” Zubairu said.

He noted that the bus was transporting four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.

Following a distress alert, personnel stationed at the Forward Operation Base in Otukpo responded swiftly, pursuing the suspects along their escape route.

The prompt intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon three passengers. Authorities have not yet confirmed the whereabouts of the remaining passenger and the minor.

One mobile phone, believed to belong to the kidnappers, was recovered at the scene. Zubairu highlighted that no direct contact occurred during the pursuit, underlining the effectiveness of the troops’ rapid response.

The Enugu–Otukpo axis has faced repeated security breaches, including abductions and assaults on commuters, prompting intensified patrols.

Operation Whirl Stroke, a joint military task force active across parts of North-central Nigeria, continues to conduct routine patrols and targeted operations to address persistent kidnappings in Benue and neighbouring states.

The Force Commander commended the troops for their professionalism, attributing the successful rescue to their alertness.

He further advised motorists to remain vigilant, particularly during night journeys, and to report any suspicious movements to security agencies for prompt intervention.

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“Motorists should observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary,” Zubairu quoted the commander.

Authorities continue to urge residents to provide credible and timely intelligence to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.