Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, JTF OPWS, have rescued six people who were abducted around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Makurdi on Saturday.
Zubairu said the victims were rescued on September 25 during a routine patrol conducted by troops in the area.
He explained that the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the kidnapped persons and swiftly moved to the location.
Following the rescue operation, the victims were taken to a safe location where they could receive necessary attention and further action could be taken.
The rescued victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
According to the statement, initial investigations revealed that five of the victims were kidnapped along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
Zubairu added that Yusuf told investigators he was abducted from his residence in the Ahmadu general area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The task force spokesman said troops had stepped up intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying and apprehending members of the criminal group behind the attacks.
He said security personnel were also increasing patrols and strengthening human intelligence networks to prevent criminals from operating freely in vulnerable communities and along major roads.
Zubairu urged personnel to remain alert, proactive and prepared to respond promptly to emerging security challenges.
He further said the task force was expanding its human intelligence network to enable security operatives to identify, track and arrest those responsible for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to reducing criminality and safeguarding lives and property across its operational area.
According to him, ongoing operations would continue to focus on providing a safer environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding members of the public.