Troops have rescued two people from suspected kidnappers after a gun battle along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State, forcing the armed assailants to abandon their victims and escape.
The Benue kidnap attempt was foiled on October 24, 2026, during a fighting patrol by troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the task force headquarters, disclosed the operation in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, soldiers encountered the suspected kidnappers as they attempted to abduct motorists and other road users along the road.
Troops Foil Benue Kidnap Attempt After Gun Battle
The soldiers engaged the armed suspects in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the two victims and flee.
Troops pursued the fleeing suspects but did not make further contact with them, the statement said.
One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. Soldiers evacuated her to Naka General Hospital, where she received medical attention.
The successful rescue brought relief to the victims after the Benue kidnap attempt disrupted the safety of road users along the route.
Military Orders Stronger Security Operations
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, has directed troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed groups.
Gara also urged personnel to improve intelligence gathering, particularly through human sources. He said better intelligence would help troops identify threats early and respond more effectively.
The military commander reassured residents that the task force remained committed to restoring peace and security across its joint operations area.
He also called on members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The military said sustained cooperation between residents and security personnel would help strengthen efforts against kidnappers and other armed groups operating in the area.