Troops Nab Kidnapper, Rescue Abducted Victim in Nasarawa and Benue Offensives
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their intelligence-driven offensive operations across the North-Central region, resulting in the successful arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the rescue of an abducted victim.
The military breakthrough, executed in separate operations between 4 September and 6 September 2026, spanned flashpoints across both Nasarawa and Benue States.
The Market Spotting and Dramatic Arrest
The offensive yielded its first major success on Friday, 4 September 2026, when troops attached to Sector 2 of Operation Whirl Stroke apprehended a suspected notorious kidnapper, identified as Adamu Lamu, at Agyaragu in Nasarawa State.
According to military authorities, the arrest followed a remarkable and courageous escape by 31-year-old Mr. Nehemiah Elisha, who had been held hostage by Lamu’s kidnapping syndicate. After breaking free from captivity, Mr. Elisha unexpectedly spotted his former abductor at a local market in Agyaragu. He immediately alerted nearby troops, leading to a swift tactical response.
“The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary legal action,” confirmed Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer for HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke.
Hostage Rescued on the Roadside
In a separate development on Sunday morning, 6 September 2026, troops from the COAS Intervention Battalion XI deployed at Torkula successfully rescued another hostage, identified as Mr. Vincent Nyado. Military patrols running a dominance operation along the Umene–Torkula Road discovered Mr. Nyado tied up and abandoned by the roadside at approximately 10:07 am. Investigators revealed that the victim had been abducted by suspected terrorists who panicked upon seeing the approaching military convoy. “On sighting the approaching troops, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their victim,” Lieutenant Zubairu stated.
The rescued victim was subsequently secured by the troops, while efforts are ongoing to obtain further information and identify the fleeing suspects.
