Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke have thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three passengers after suspected gunmen intercepted a commercial bus during a night operation.
The rescue, which followed what the military described as “credible intelligence,” underscores renewed security pressure on criminal elements operating along key highways in the region.
In a statement issued Thursday, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the incident occurred on February 25, 2026.
According to him, troops stationed at the Forward Operation Base in Otukpo were on night patrol when they received 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,” the statement read.
The military said the rapid pursuit mounted by the troops disrupted the criminals’ plan and forced them to abandon three of the victims.
The statement added that the troops’ prompt response “forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims,” noting that “no direct contact was made during the pursuit.”
At the scene, troops recovered “one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers,” which may aid further investigation.
The Force Commander praised the soldiers for their “resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency in preventing what could have escalated into a major security breach.”
While commending the troops, the commander urged motorists plying the route to remain vigilant.
He advised road users to “be cautious to observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary,” and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to enable swift intervention.
The latest operation comes barely a week after troops of the Joint Task Force South-East rescued five travellers following a distress call over a suspected attack along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu, within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.
In that encounter, the military said troops “immediately mobilised to the scene and decisively engaged the armed elements with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre,” compelling the attackers to flee and abandon their captives, who were rescued unharmed.
