Troops of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers made up of 20 adults and four minors.
The rescue operation followed an attempted abduction of passengers travelling in two commercial buses by suspected armed bandits.
The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, at about 10:00 pm in the Amoda area of Ohimini Local Government Area.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that troops swiftly responded to a distress call and mobilised to the scene.
According to the statement, the criminals emerged from the bush, took over an existing checkpoint and intercepted two 18-seater buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, with the intention of abducting all passengers onboard.
However, the prompt intervention of troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE led to a gun battle, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the passengers and flee into the surrounding bush.
Zubairu explained that during the initial encounter, 15 passengers were freed and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were initially unaccounted for.
He added that follow-up operations led to the rescue of five additional adults and all four minors, who have since been transferred to the custody of the Police Area Command in Otukpo.
Search operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift action and professionalism.
He reiterated the Task Force’s firm resolve to protect lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, noting that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven patrols, and close collaboration with other security agencies would continue to restrict criminal activities.
“Major General Moses Gara, extends warm Christmas and Yuletide greetings to all Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, covering Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
He prays that the season brings God’s abundant mercy, peace, and enduring joy to families and communities.
“The Force Commander urges all believers to remain united, to shun all forms of violence, and to live by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as a prerequisite for shared prosperity throughout the festive period and beyond,” Zubair added.
