By Our Correspondent
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have successfully rescued two kidnapped staff members of Unity Bank during a coordinated security operation in Taraba State.
The rescue mission, which followed credible intelligence reports, took place in Gborgbor Village, located in Wukari Local Government Area.
The victims, identified as Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, were reportedly abducted earlier in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the kidnappers had moved the victims across state lines before troops tracked them to the rural settlement in Taraba.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, troops launched an aggressive search-and-rescue mission after receiving actionable intelligence about the presence of armed terrorists and their captives in the community.
Initial searches of several suspected buildings and hideouts in Gborgbor Village did not immediately reveal the location of the kidnappers or their hostages.
However, follow-up intelligence suggested the criminals and their victims were still hiding within the area.
Reinforcements led by the Sub-Sector Commander were quickly deployed to intensify the operation.
The troops extended their search to surrounding settlements, including Tse Anaka Village, tightening pressure on the kidnappers.
Faced with the sustained military presence and intensified search operations, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned the hostages and fled the area.
The two bank workers were subsequently found unharmed and safely recovered by the troops.
During the operation, soldiers also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the kidnappers to transport the victims along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift response in executing the rescue mission.
He noted that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led security strategies in combating kidnapping and terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
General Gara also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring communities that security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
