Troops Foil Kidnapping on Otukpo–Enugu Expressway, Rescue Passengers in Benue

Troops Foil Kidnapping on Otukpo–Enugu Expressway, Rescue Passengers in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers and forcing the attackers to flee.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., after troops received a distress call and swiftly mobilised to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The statement revealed that the armed criminals emerged from the bush and briefly took over an existing checkpoint along the highway. The assailants reportedly stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, in an attempt to abduct all passengers on board.

However, the timely intervention of troops of Operation Whirl Stroke led to a firefight, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and escape into the bush.

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“In the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were initially declared missing,” the statement said.

Major General Gara added that follow-up operations resulted in the rescue of five additional adults and all four minors, who are now in the custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo. He noted that search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.

The OPWS Commander commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, reaffirming the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, which covers Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.

He stressed that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and collaboration with sister security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

Major General Gara also extended Christmas and Yuletide greetings to Christian faithful across the Joint Operations Area, urging residents to remain united, shun violence, and uphold the values of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion during the festive season and beyond.

Troops Foil Kidnapping on Otukpo–Enugu Expressway, Rescue Passengers in Benue