By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Troops of the Joint Activity Power, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled a kidnap try alongside the Otukpo-Enugu Expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers and forcing the assailants to flee.
The Performing Media Info Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, in an announcement, stated the operation adopted a misery name that alerted troops on routine patrol to suspicious exercise across the Amoda axis of Ohimini Native Authorities Space, LGA, of the state.
Lt. Zubairu stated the armed criminals had emerged from the bush at about 10pm and briefly taken over an present checkpoint alongside the freeway, the place they intercepted two 18-seater industrial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The criminals stopped the buses and tried to abduct all of the passengers. Nonetheless, the swift response of troops of Operation Whirl Stroke led to a firefight, which compelled the abductors to desert their victims and flee into the encircling bush,” he stated.
In accordance with him, in the course of the preliminary encounter, 15 passengers had been rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division in Otukpo.
“Six adults and 4 minors had been initially declared lacking. Subsequent operations led to the rescue of 5 further adults and all 4 minors, who at the moment are within the custody of the Police Space Command, Otukpo. Search efforts are ongoing to find the remaining lacking passenger,” Zubairu added.
Reacting to the event, the Power Commander of the Joint Activity Power, Main Normal Moses Gara, recommended the troops for his or her immediate response and professionalism, describing their actions as an illustration of dedication to public security.
“Our troops acted swiftly and professionally to forestall what may have been a tragic incident. Operation Whirl Stroke stays unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding lives and property inside our Space of Duty,” Main Normal Gara stated.
He careworn that the duty drive would proceed to maintain offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols and shut collaboration with different safety businesses to disclaim felony components freedom of motion throughout the area.
Main Normal Gara additionally prolonged Christmas and Yuletide greetings to Christian trustworthy inside the Joint Operations Space, which covers Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
“I pray that this season brings God’s ample mercy, peace and enduring pleasure to households and communities,” he stated, urging residents to stay united, shun violence and uphold the values of affection, humility, tolerance and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ.
He added that such virtues had been important for peaceable coexistence and shared prosperity in the course of the festive interval and past.
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