Nigerian Troops Rescue 5 Kidnap Victims in Benue Raid

Five families in Nigeria's Benue State are celebrating reunions they feared might never happen after military troops rescued their loved ones from kidnappers.

The victims had endured between 10 days and six weeks in captivity. Babaji Muhammad, 40, spent 10 days in the hands of his captors after being kidnapped on Chede-Takun Road. Sunday Yamusa, 45, along with Annumba Obunde, 40, and Babangida Ibbi, 41, survived more than a month after their abduction on Tor Donga Road.

Doofan Ahula, 54, was held for over a month before troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE found and freed all five victims during their operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

The military didn't stop at the rescue. Acting on intelligence about bandit hideouts in Mtam village, soldiers conducted a follow-up raid that uncovered a significant weapons cache left behind by fleeing criminals.

The recovered arsenal included six pistols, a Dane gun, 107 rounds of ammunition, a smoke grenade, combat boots, two motorcycles, and various charms the bandits had abandoned in their escape.

The Ripple Effect

These successful operations represent more than just five families made whole again. They signal a turning point in how Nigerian security forces are tackling rural crime through intelligence-led actions and community collaboration.

Force Commander Moses Gara praised his troops' professionalism and called on residents to continue sharing information with security agencies. That partnership between soldiers and civilians is proving essential.

The timing couldn't be better. Just days before the rescue, Nigeria's Army Chief visited Benue's governor to discuss new modern weapons and equipment being deployed to combat security threats across the region.

Governor Hyacinth Alia emphasized his administration's commitment to supporting military efforts, recognizing that sustained cooperation between government, residents, and security forces creates the foundation for lasting peace.

Security analysts say maintaining a persistent military presence in remote areas prevents criminal gangs from regrouping and rebuilding their operations.

For five families in Benue, the strategy is already working, and their loved ones are home where they belong.