Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held Hostage in Cross River

Nigerian military troop

Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held Hostage in Cross River

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were allegedly held against their will in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a reprisal attack linked to a livestock theft dispute. The timely military operation, conducted on Thursday, prevented further escalation of the crisis and restored calm to the community.

No fewer than 36 indigenes of Benue State have been rescued by Nigerian Army troops in Cross River State. The victims were held hostage in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area, following a reprisal attack sparked by a livestock theft dispute that threatened to escalate into a wider communal conflict. Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident on Saturday, June 27, 2026, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to Makama, troops from the 130 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment, conducted the operation around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The troops raided the location and successfully rescued all the hostages.

The rescued victims reportedly told security operatives that the incident began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths from Benue State over the theft of livestock. The attack on the Imaje indigene triggered anger among community members, who vowed to retaliate against Benue residents living in the area. In retaliation, some members of the Imaje Community targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will. The victims, who are predominantly farmers and traders, were reportedly confined in various locations within the community, with some allegedly subjected to physical abuse and intimidation during their captivity.

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The Nigerian Army‘s intervention came after security agencies received intelligence reports about the hostage situation. The troops from the 130 Battalion (Rear) and the 341 Artillery Regiment were deployed to the area and conducted a coordinated raid on the community. The operation was carried out with precision to avoid civilian casualties and ensure the safe rescue of all hostages. Makama confirmed that the troops successfully rescued all 36 victims and that calm has been restored in the community. The timely military operation prevented further escalation of the conflict and averted what could have degenerated into a full-blown communal crisis between Benue and Cross River residents in the area.

Security agencies are maintaining a presence in the area to forestall any renewed violence, while investigations into the incident are ongoing. Troops have been deployed to monitor the situation and prevent any reprisal attacks from either side. Community leaders from both Benue and Cross River states have been engaged to help de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.

The hostage crisis had created significant tension in the border communities between Benue and Cross River states, with many Benue residents living in the area fearing for their safety. The rescue operation has brought relief to the affected families and the broader Benue community in Cross River State. The Benue State Government has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the successful rescue operation. Officials have also called on both states to strengthen collaboration to prevent future occurrences of such conflicts, which often arise from minor disputes that escalate into larger crises.