Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have thwarted a kidnap attempt along the busy Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims unhurt and averting what security authorities described as a potential major security breach.
The incident occurred on February 25, 2026, when troops stationed at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Otukpo were alerted during a routine night patrol that an 18-seater Benue Links bus with registration number TYK 221 YK had been hijacked by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was said to be carrying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.
A statement signed by Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops acted swiftly on the intelligence received and immediately mobilised to the scene.
Their rapid response paid off as they trailed the fleeing suspects along their escape route, mounting pressure that forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims.
According to the statement, although no direct confrontation occurred during the pursuit, security operatives recovered one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers at the scene.
The Force Commander praised the troops for their swift and coordinated action.
He said the operation demonstrated their “resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency in preventing what could have escalated into a major security breach.”
Beyond the successful rescue, the military used the opportunity to issue safety guidance to motorists plying the Enugu–Otukpo axis and other highways.
The Force Commander urged road users to remain alert at all times, advising motorists to be watchful for unusual situations.
According to him, drivers should be cautious enough to observe any unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary.
He further encouraged motorists to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to enable rapid response by security agencies.
The military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at keeping major transit routes safe for commuters.
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