Troops of the Nigerian Military have thwarted a kidnapping try alongside the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers made up of 20 adults and 4 minors.
The rescue operation adopted an tried abduction of passengers travelling in two business buses by suspected armed bandits.
The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, at about 10:00 pm within the Amoda space of Ohimini Native Authorities Space.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Performing Media Info Officer, disclosed in an announcement on Saturday that troops swiftly responded to a misery name and mobilised to the scene.
In keeping with the assertion, the criminals emerged from the bush, took over an present checkpoint and intercepted two 18-seater buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, with the intention of abducting all passengers onboard.
Nevertheless, the immediate intervention of troops beneath Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a gun battle, forcing the abductors to desert the passengers and flee into the encircling bush.
Zubairu defined that through the preliminary encounter, 15 passengers had been freed and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo, whereas six adults and 4 minors had been initially unaccounted for.
He added that follow-up operations led to the rescue of 5 extra adults and all 4 minors, who’ve since been transferred to the custody of the Police Space Command in Otukpo.
Search operations are nonetheless ongoing to find the remaining lacking passenger.
Reacting to the event, the Drive Commander of the Joint Activity Drive, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Main Basic Moses Gara, praised the troops for his or her swift motion and professionalism.
He reiterated the Activity Drive’s agency resolve to guard lives and property inside its Space of Duty, noting that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and shut collaboration with different safety businesses would proceed to limit legal actions.
“Main Basic Moses Gara, extends heat Christmas and Yuletide greetings to all Christian trustworthy throughout the Joint Operations Space, protecting Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
He prays that the season brings God’s considerable mercy, peace, and enduring pleasure to households and communities.
“The Drive Commander urges all believers to stay united, to shun all types of violence, and to dwell by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of affection, humility, tolerance, and compassion as a prerequisite for shared prosperity all through the festive interval and past,” Zubair added.
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