Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke have freed three passengers travelling in a Benue State government-owned Benue Links bus after thwarting a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo highway, the military confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, disclosed that the incident happened on Wednesday night.
Soldiers on patrol reportedly received intelligence that an 18-seater Benue Links vehicle bearing registration number TYK 221 YK had been taken over by suspected kidnappers.
“Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims without casualties,” Mr Zubairu said.
He noted that the bus was transporting four passengers and a minor when it came under attack.
Following the distress alert, personnel stationed at the Forward Operation Base in Otukpo swiftly moved to the area and pursued the suspects along their escape route.
“The prompt response of the troops forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims. No direct contact was made during the pursuit.
However, one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered at the scene,” he added.
Authorities have yet to provide details about the whereabouts of the remaining passenger and the minor who were reportedly in the vehicle when it was intercepted.
The Enugu–Otukpo axis has witnessed repeated security breaches in recent years, including abductions and assaults on commuters.
DAILY POST had earlier reported similar attacks on major highways in Benue State, where armed groups targeted both commercial buses and private vehicles, leading to intensified patrols by security operatives.
Operation Whirl Stroke, a joint military outfit active across parts of the North-central zone, continues to conduct routine patrols and targeted missions in Benue and neighbouring states to address persistent attacks and kidnappings.
In Thursday’s release, the Force Commander praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism, which he said helped prevent the situation from worsening.
He also urged road users to exercise vigilance, particularly during night journeys.
“Motorists should be cautious to observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary,” Mr Zubairu quoted the commander as saying. Drivers were further encouraged to promptly alert the nearest security formation about any suspicious movements to facilitate swift intervention.
Security authorities have repeatedly called on residents to provide credible and timely information to help combat kidnappings and other criminal activities across the state.