In a successful operation, Nigerian Army troops deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) rescued 13 passengers who had been abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road on April 15, 2026. The rescue occurred in the early hours of Sunday in a forested area of Okete Ward, located in the Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. An operational report provided to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja detailed how the troops conducted a search-and-rescue mission that ultimately led to the recovery of the victims.
The individuals rescued include Hycent Oko (56), Elaiguli Joshua (25), Orili Raphael (29), Sunday Augustine (18), Emmanuel Elaicha (21), Gbile Nguyor Daniel (18), Ukacha Tersoo (18), Nyikwagh Aoridakator (22), Iornav Ngukuhan (18), Nyikwagh Benjamin (18), Buker Agatha (19), Paul Wende (29), and Akor Jessica (19). Following their rescue, the passengers were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital in Otukpo, where they are currently receiving medical attention, including treatment for injuries sustained during their captivity.
Additionally, the report noted that three of the 17 originally abducted passengers had managed to escape earlier and safely reunite with their families. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims still in captivity. Among those abducted were eight individuals who were preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, highlighting the broader impact of this incident on education and livelihoods in the region.
This operation underscores the Nigerian military’s continued commitment to combating kidnapping and banditry in Benue State and surrounding areas. Authorities have reiterated their dedication to securing lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. This incident is part of a troubling trend of abductions targeting commuters on major highways in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where insecurity has significantly disrupted daily life and economic activities.
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