Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) successfully foiled a daring kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers traveling from Jos to Ibadan in the process. The swift intervention by the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing security operations in the region.
Timely intervention prevents mass abduction
The incident occurred on 22 December 2025 at around 10:00 pm, when armed assailants briefly occupied a checkpoint along the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers blocked the road, creating panic among passengers and motorists attempting to pass through the area.
According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, acting information officer of OPWS, the criminals stopped two 18-seater commercial buses and attempted to abduct all passengers on board. The assailants, heavily armed and aggressive, reportedly demanded compliance from the drivers and passengers, threatening to open fire if instructions were not followed.
Prompt action by the troops, who had been on routine patrol in the area, led to a brief but intense firefight. The exchange of gunfire forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee into the bush, preventing the abduction and ensuring the immediate safety of the passengers. The quick response of the soldiers was praised for averting a potential tragedy on one of the region’s busiest transport routes.
Initially, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Otukpo Police Division, while six adults and four minors were reported missing. Security teams immediately launched a search operation to locate the remaining passengers, coordinating with local law enforcement and community members to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safety of all travelers.
Continued search and security commitment
Subsequent operations led to the rescue of the remaining five adults and all four minors, who are now in police custody for safety and debriefing. Security forces continue efforts to locate the last missing passenger, while gathering intelligence to apprehend the fleeing assailants and prevent future attacks in the area.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, commended the soldiers for their professionalism, courage, and swift response in neutralizing the threat. He reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives, ensuring the security of transportation routes, and combating banditry across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, especially during the festive season when travel activity increases significantly.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, and promote peace, love, humility, and tolerance in their communities. The success of the operation demonstrates OPWS’s dedication to maintaining safety along critical highways and protecting citizens from criminal elements targeting commuters and commercial transport services.
The successful rescue highlights OPWS’s ongoing efforts in combating banditry, securing key transportation corridors, and restoring public confidence in safety across the region, signaling the army’s determination to ensure that travelers can move freely without fear of attacks or abduction.[/p>