Army Intercepts Kidnappers, Rescues Three Passengers in Enugu

Troops operating under Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke successfully intercepted a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims, the army confirmed Thursday.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE headquarters, stated the incident occurred on February 25, 2026. Intelligence received during a night patrol indicated that an 18-seater Benue Links bus (registration number TYK 221 YK), carrying four passengers and a minor, had been seized by suspected kidnappers.

“Troops responded immediately, tracking the suspects along their withdrawal route,” the statement said. “The prompt intervention forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims without direct confrontation.”

Authorities recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers at the scene. The Force Commander commended the troops for their “resilience, vigilance, and operational efficiency,” emphasizing their role in preventing a potentially serious security incident.

Motorists were advised to remain alert, monitor stretches of road with unusual absence of traffic, and report suspicious activity to nearby security posts for rapid response.

This rescue follows another operation in Enugu last week, where troops saved five travellers along the 9th Mile axis after a distress call. In that incident, military forces engaged armed assailants, forcing them to release the captives unharmed.