By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnapped Unity Bank Plc staff members in Wukari Local Government Area on Sunday after an intelligence-led search operation in Gborgbor Village. The troops acted on credible intelligence, forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims, and safely recovered them during a coordinated rescue mission.
Intelligence Leads Troops to Kidnappers’ Hideout
According to the acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Ahmad Zubairu, the rescue followed actionable intelligence that terrorists held victims in Gborgbor Village.
Troops quickly launched a coordinated search and rescue operation in the area.
They thoroughly searched houses and suspected locations in the community. However, the first sweep did not reveal the captives.
Further intelligence later confirmed that the kidnappers and their victims still remained within the area.
Kidnappers Abandon Victims During Security Pressure
Security forces intensified the operation and deployed additional troops to reinforce the search.
The Sub-Sector Commander led the reinforcement team.
The operation extended to nearby settlements, including Tse Anaka Village, to block possible escape routes.
As pressure increased, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled the area.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and flee. The victims were safely recovered,” Zubairu said.
Troops also recovered a motorcycle suspected to belong to the criminals along the route to Tse Anaka Village.
Victims Identified as Unity Bank Staff
Authorities identified the rescued victims as:
- Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40
- Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37
Both victims work for Unity Bank Plc.
Gunmen had earlier abducted them in Zaki-Biam, located in Ukum Local Government Area.
Troops safely recovered the victims during the operation.
OPWS Commander Commends Troops
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift and professional response.
He said the rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations against kidnappers and terrorists.
Gara also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighboring states that security forces will continue protecting lives and property.
Security Agencies Seek Public Support
The commander urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
He encouraged the public to provide timely and credible information that can help dismantle criminal networks in the region.
Security forces say community support remains crucial in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
