Troops Foil Midnight Kidnap Plot on Otukpo–Enugu Highway, Rescue Passengers
By Paul Ebi
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers and forcing the attackers to flee into the bush.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., when troops on routine patrol responded swiftly to a distress call from the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. According to military sources, armed criminals had emerged from surrounding bushes and temporarily taken over an existing checkpoint along the busy highway.
The assailants reportedly stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, with the intention of abducting all passengers onboard. However, the prompt intervention of troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the forest.
Commenting on the operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response, courage, and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, which covers Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
Major General Gara emphasized that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and close collaboration with sister security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the region.
The Force Commander also extended warm Christmas and Yuletide greetings to Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, praying for peace, mercy, and enduring joy for families and communities. He urged residents to remain united, shun violence, and uphold the virtues of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ, noting that these values are essential for shared prosperity during the festive season and beyond.
The Nigerian military has reiterated its resolve to intensify operations to ensure safe travel and restore public confidence along major highways in the region.
In the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo. Although six adults and four minors were initially declared missing, follow-up operations by the troops led to the rescue of five additional adults and all four minors. The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo, while search efforts continue to locate the remaining missing passenger.
