A tense manhunt ended successfully for two Unity Bank staff abducted in Zaki-Biam, Benue State, as Nigerian Army troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) safely recovered the victims in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State. Truth Live News International reports.
The victims, identified as 40-year-old Mr. Marwan Abubakar and 37-year-old Mr. Leng’en Cakop, were reportedly whisked away by suspected kidnappers last week. Acting on timely intelligence, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, explained:
“Our troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission. While initial searches yielded no results, further intelligence indicated the captives were still in the area. We extended operations to surrounding settlements, including Tse Anaka, putting sustained pressure on the kidnappers.”
The operation reached a critical moment when the kidnappers, realizing they were being tracked, abandoned the captives. Both victims were recovered safely, along with a motorcycle believed to have been used by the criminals.
Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism:
“This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led strategies in combating kidnapping and terrorist activities. We remain committed to safeguarding lives and property in Taraba and neighboring states.”
He further urged residents to assist security agencies by providing credible information that could help dismantle criminal networks.
For the residents of Gborgbor Village and surrounding communities, the rescue brought a sigh of relief. One local resident, who requested anonymity, said:
“It has been a tense few days. Hearing that the victims are safe gives us hope that our community is not entirely helpless against these criminals.”
