Army Rescues Two Unity Bank Staff Abducted in Benue

Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued two kidnapped staff members of Unity Bank during a search-and-rescue operation in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The victims, identified as Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Leng’en Cakop, 37, were reportedly abducted earlier in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Ahmad Zubairu, the rescue followed actionable intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists and their captives in the area.

He explained that troops swiftly launched an aggressive search-and-rescue mission, thoroughly combing suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village. Although initial searches did not yield results, further intelligence confirmed that the kidnappers and their victims were still within the area.

Additional troops led by the Sub-Sector Commander were deployed to reinforce the operation, which was extended to nearby settlements, including Tse Anaka.

Zubairu said the sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. The two victims were safely recovered, while a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was found along the route to Tse Anaka Village.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led strategies in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He also reassured residents of Taraba State and neighbouring states of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Gara further urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.