Troops rescue four kidnapped passengers, arrest suspected collaborator in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued four kidnapped victims following a coordinated operation along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on April 16, 2026, when troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, operating from Forward Operating Base Otukpo alongside other security agencies, responded to a distress call involving passengers of a Benue Links bus.
According to the sources, the victims were abducted by armed men along the highway before troops trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route.
The sources added that four of the kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued during the pursuit, while the bus driver was arrested on suspicion of collaborating with the abductors.
The rescued victims and the suspect were handed over to the Otukpo Police Division for further investigation and action.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted passengers and track down the fleeing suspects.
