Nigerian Army Foils Kidnapping Attempt Rescues 24 Passengers

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

The attempted abduction involved two commercial buses traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State. Suspected armed bandits had taken over an existing checkpoint, emerged from the bush, and intended to abduct all passengers. Prompt intervention by 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 rescued 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.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, praised the troops for their swift action and professionalism. He reiterated the Task Force’s resolve to protect lives and property within its area of responsibility, emphasizing that sustained offensive operations, intelligence‑driven patrols, and close collaboration with other security agencies would continue to restrict criminal activities. The incident highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts 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 Gara extended warm greetings to all Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, urging unity and the rejection of violence. The successful rescue 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.