Troops rescue seven kidnap victims from criminal hideout in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) successfully rescued seven kidnapped individuals from a criminal hideout in Benue State on Monday, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The joint operation involved troops, Nigeria Police Force personnel, and local vigilantes in Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas. The rescue mission was triggered by credible intelligence received by security agencies regarding suspected kidnappers operating in the region.

Upon receiving the intel, the troops, police officers, and vigilantes advanced into the targeted locations to locate the abducted victims and apprehend members of the criminal group. As the suspects fled upon noticing the arrival of the security personnel, the victims were left behind. The rescued individuals were safely taken away from the danger zone and the suspects fled into the surrounding terrain.

Apart from the victims, the security personnel also recovered a vehicle allegedly linked to the criminal activities, which was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation. Both OPWS and the security agencies lauded the rapid response of the troops and acknowledged the contributions of the police and local vigilantes to the successful operation.

The task force stressed the importance of residents providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that peace and community protection rely on the cooperation of all stakeholders.