Army rescues two kidnapped bank workers in Taraba

Nigerian Army troops under the Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two bank employees kidnapped in Benue State.

Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank, were reportedly kidnapped in Zaki Biam Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the military, they were rescued during a search-and-rescue operation carried out in Gborgbor village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In a statement on Sunday, the acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Ahmad Zubairu, said troops launched the operation after receiving intelligence indicating the presence of kidnappers and their captives in the area.

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“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search-and-rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorists and safely recovering the victims,” Mr Zubairu said.

He explained that troops initially searched several suspected houses and locations in Gborgbor Village but found nothing unusual.

However, further intelligence suggested the kidnappers and their captives were still within the area.

The statement said additional troops, led by a sub-sector commander, were deployed to reinforce the operation, which was extended to nearby settlements, including Tse-Anaka village.

Mr Zubairu said the sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.

“The victims were safely recovered, and a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route to Tse Anaka Village,” he added.

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The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.

He said the successful rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

Mr Gara also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring states of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to provide security agencies with timely information to help combat crime.