Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims without casualties.
Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday via the Army’s X handle (@HQNigerianArmy)
Lt. Zubairu said the incident occurred on 25 February 2026 when troops deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Otukpo, while conducting a night patrol, received credible information that an 18-seater Benue Links bus with registration number TYK 221 YK had been seized by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was reportedly conveying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.
According to him, te troops acting swiftly on the intelligence, mobilised to the scene and trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route.
“Their prompt response forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims. No direct contact was made during the pursuit.
“However, one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered at the scene.
The Force Commander commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency in preventing what could have escalated into a major security breach.
He further advised road users to be vigilant at all times. According to him, motorists should be cautious to observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary.
Drivers were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to enhance rapid response.