Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have foiled an attempt to abduct two victims along the Naka-Ahume Road in Gwer West LGA of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
The operation, conducted during a fighting patrol, forced the suspected kidnappers to flee, while one of the rescued victims sustained machete wounds.
According to the Task Force, the troops encountered the suspected kidnappers while they were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users along the Naka-Ahume Road.
The suspects, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, engaged the troops in a firefight but abandoned their captives and fled.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects, although no further contact was made.
One of the rescued victims, 36-year-old Mngunengen Ihom from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident and was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Moses Gara, has charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed groups threatening the safety of residents.
He also called for stronger human intelligence gathering to enhance early warning and improve responses to security threats.
Major-General Gara reassured residents of the Task Force’s commitment to restoring peace and security across its joint operations area.
He further urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The Task Force says sustained military operations and public cooperation remain critical to tackling kidnapping and other security threats across Benue State.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
