Military Forces Launch Major Offensive in Benue, Rescue 11 Hostages and Seize Large Cache of Weapons

 

In a renewed effort to eliminate criminal elements and dismantle bandit hideouts, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), under the command of Sector 1 Commander Colonel K.O. Bukoye and supported by the Air Component, launched a major coordinated assault across parts of Benue and Taraba States.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zub

airu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, confirmed in an official statement that the high-impact military operation took place between August 2nd and 3rd, 2025. The action targeted Tse-Ahur and Chito in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Concurrently, troops from Sector 3 maintained strategic positions in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari LGA of Taraba State to intercept escaping insurgents.

The operation showcased the Nigerian military’s high level of tactical coordination and operational depth. Upon engaging the kidnappers' stronghold, troops overpowered them with superior firepower. Two suspects were apprehended, while others fled, abandoning both their hostages and weaponry.

Following the combat engagement, a thorough search-and-rescue mission was conducted. Eleven kidnapped individuals — including four women and seven men — were successfully rescued. All victims received immediate medical care and were profiled for reunification with their families.

In addition to the rescue mission, the operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. Seized items included:

• 4 FN rifles

• 3 G3 rifles

• 4 AK-47 rifles

• 1 PKT machine gun

• 1 locally made Dane gun

• 15 AK-47 magazines

• 3 FN rifle magazines

• 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition

• 184 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition

• 1 pistol magazine

• 5 smoke discharge canisters

• Several fetish charms

The military also succeeded in completely destroying the bandits' camp and logistical base in the area, effectively dismantling their operational capabilities.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, personally oversaw the operation and praised the courage, commitment, and fighting spirit of the troops involved. He reaffirmed OPWS’s unwavering determination to pursue criminal elements wherever they may be hiding.

He credited the operational success to the strategic guidance and support provided by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

General Gara extended heartfelt appreciation to the Service Chiefs for their consistent provision of critical logistics, strategic direction, and inter-agency collaboration, which have been essential in sustaining military successes in the region.

He further assured the public that troops would maintain constant operational pressure and continue dominating the battlespace to restore lasting peace across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.