Operation Whirl Stroke Rescues Kidnap Victims in Taraba State
Troops from the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued two individuals who had been kidnapped in a recent incident. The operation took place in Gborgbor Village, located within the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. The victims, who are reported to be employees of a commercial bank, were identified as Mr. Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr. Leng’en Cakop, 37. They had been taken hostage in Zaki-Biam, which is part of the Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State.
The details of the rescue mission were shared through a statement issued by the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu. The statement was made available to journalists on Sunday, highlighting the efforts of the security forces involved in the operation.
The operation was initiated in the early hours of 6 March 2026, after credible intelligence suggested that both terrorists and their captives were present in the general area. This prompted the OPWS to launch an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the kidnappers and ensuring the safe recovery of the victims.
During the initial phase of the operation, troops conducted thorough searches of suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village. However, no immediate signs of the kidnappers or their victims were found. Further intelligence later indicated that the kidnappers and their captives were still in the vicinity. In response, additional troops, led by the Sub-Sector Commander, were deployed to reinforce the search and intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
The search was then extended to surrounding settlements, including Tse Anaka. As the operation progressed, the sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced the terrorist group to abandon their captives and flee the area. The rescued victims were later confirmed to be Mr. Marwan Abubakar and Mr. Leng’en Cakop, both of whom are staff members of Unity Bank from Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Lieutenant Zubairu also mentioned that during the operation, the troops recovered a motorcycle that was suspected to have been used by the terrorists along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.
Success of the Operation and Commendations
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence. He emphasized that the success of the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating kidnapping and other forms of terrorism within the joint operations area.
Gara also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighboring regions of the Joint Task Force’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives and property. He encouraged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in dismantling criminal networks operating in the region.
Key Details of the Operation
- The operation was launched following credible intelligence reports.
- Initial searches in Gborgbor Village did not yield immediate results.
- Additional troops were deployed after further intelligence indicated the presence of the kidnappers.
- The search expanded to surrounding areas, including Tse Anaka.
- The terrorists abandoned their captives under pressure from the advancing troops.
- A motorcycle suspected to have been used by the terrorists was recovered.
- The rescued victims were identified as staff members of Unity Bank.
