Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, resulting in the rescue of 24 passengers. The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm in the Amoda area of Ohimini Local Government Area. According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, the rescue operation was initiated after troops responded to a distress call and mobilized to the scene.

The attempted abduction involved two commercial buses traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, which were intercepted by suspected armed bandits. The criminals had taken over an existing checkpoint and emerged from the bush, intending to abduct all passengers onboard. However, the prompt intervention of troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a gun battle, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the passengers and flee into the surrounding bush.

During the initial encounter, 15 passengers were freed and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo. Follow-up operations led to the rescue of five additional adults and all four minors, who have since been transferred to the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo. Search operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift action and professionalism. He reiterated the Task Force’s firm resolve to protect lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, noting that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and close collaboration with other security agencies would continue to restrict criminal activities.

The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army to combat kidnapping and armed banditry in the region. Operation WHIRL STROKE, a joint task force operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, has been instrumental in disrupting criminal activities and protecting civilians. As the Christmas and Yuletide season approaches, Major General Moses Gara extended warm greetings to all Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, urging them to remain united and to shun all forms of violence. The successful rescue operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, and its determination to combat criminal activities in the region.