Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State, rescuing 24 passengers travelling from Jos to Ibadan.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on December 22, 2025, at the Amoda axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
According to the military, armed men had mounted an illegal checkpoint and stopped two 18-seater commercial buses in an attempt to abduct the passengers.
Troops on patrol swiftly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.
Initially, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the police, while others were reported missing.
Subsequent search operations led to the rescue of the remaining adults and four minors, now in police custody.
The OPWS commander commended the soldiers and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to securing major highways in the region.
