Nigeria: Troops stop kidnap attempt on Otukpo–Enugu highway, rescue 24 passengers
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A potential tragedy was averted on the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State on Thursday night after troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued 24 passengers from armed assailants.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. along the Amoda axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, following a distress call that alerted troops on routine patrol to suspicious movements along the highway.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the attackers had emerged from the bush and briefly taken over an existing checkpoint on the road.
They stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct the passengers.
“The criminals intercepted the buses and were in the process of abducting the passengers when troops swiftly responded,” Zubairu said. “A firefight ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush.”
He explained that 15 passengers were rescued during the initial encounter and immediately handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo.
However, six adults and four minors were initially reported missing. Further search and rescue operations later led to the successful recovery of five additional adults and all four minors.
They have since been handed over to the Police Area Command in Otukpo, while efforts continue to locate one remaining passenger.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their actions prevented what could have resulted in loss of lives.
“Our troops acted decisively to stop this criminal act. This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across our area of responsibility,” Major General Gara said.
He added that Operation Whirl Stroke would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven operations and close collaboration with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of movement across the region.
Major General Gara also extended Christmas and Yuletide greetings to residents of the Joint Operations Area, which includes Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, urging communities to remain united and peaceful during the festive season.
“I pray that this season brings God’s mercy, peace and lasting joy to families and communities,” he said, encouraging residents to embrace love, tolerance and compassion for peaceful coexistence.
