Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully thwarted a kidnapping operation and rescued three victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gunfight in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on July 13 after soldiers deployed at the SAI Outpost received intelligence about an active abduction in Sai community.
The troops immediately mobilised to the scene and intercepted the fleeing gunmen, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Unable to withstand the military’s superior firepower, the suspects reportedly abandoned the three captives before escaping into nearby bushes.
Following preliminary profiling, the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects as Operation Whirl Stroke intensifies operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements across Benue State.
