Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have rescued 12 kidnapped victims at Jootar village in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia revealed this to newsmen on Friday in Makurdi, saying that the victims were rescued on February 21, after credible intelligence.
According to him, the rescued victims were in transit from Imo to Adamawa State when they were abducted.
He stated that the kidnappers took advantage of the abandoned Federal Police Highway checkpoint to carry out their criminal acts.
He also disclosed that on sighting the troops of OPWS with superior firepower, the kidnappers fled leaving behind their victims.
The Force Commander further said the troops also recovered an 18-seater bus belonging to Taraba Express International with serial number 212 and registration number GKA-371XA Taraba State, from the kidnappers.
He restated the commitment of OPWS in synergy with other security agencies to rid Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States of criminal elements, assuring that OPWS would continue to ensure the safety of lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens within the Joint Task Force Joint Operations Area.