Troops foil kidnap attempt on Enugu-Otukpo Road, rescue victims

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have foiled a kidnap attempt along Enugu-Otukpo Road and rescued three victims. 

Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, who disclosed this in a statement on 26 February 2026 said one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered at the scene.

“Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims without casualties,” the statement read.

“The incident occurred on 25 February 2026 when troops deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Otukpo, while conducting a night patrol, received credible information that an 18-seater Benue Links bus with registration number TYK 221 YK had been seized by suspected kidnappers.

“The vehicle was reportedly conveying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops mobilised to the scene and trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route. 

“Their prompt response forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims. No direct contact was made during the pursuit.

“However, one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered at the scene.”

The Force Commander commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency in preventing what could have escalated into a major security breach.

He further advised road users to be vigilant at all times. 

According to him, motorists should be cautious to observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary. 

Drivers were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to enhance rapid response.