Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a 28-year-old woman, Mrs Member Ityavber, who was abducted in Tse-Ubena village, Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu.
Zubairu said the rescue mission was carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard following reports of kidnapping activities in the area.
According to him, troops deployed from Tor-Donga swiftly responded to the distress call and launched a coordinated operation that led to the safe recovery of the victim.
He said, “Troops, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised to Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where a kidnapped victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued.”
The spokesperson further disclosed that the troops extended their operations to Gwer West Local Government Area, where two suspected armed herders were apprehended.
He explained that the arrests were made at Mbapa and Mbabuande communities following intelligence reports, adding that the suspects were picked up after troops uncovered a deserted hideout believed to have been used for criminal activities.
“Subsequent clearance operations, including exploitation across River Akpako, resulted in the arrest of two suspects who are currently in custody for further investigation,” he added.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism during the operations.
He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining security across the state, especially as residents prepare for the farming season.