Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue.

Acting Media Information Officer OPWS, Lt.

Ahmad Zubairu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Makurdi.

Zabairu said the operation was conducted as an intelligence-led search and rescue mission.

According to him, the victims were rescued on Sept. 14, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities in the area.

Zubairu said the troops, working with the police and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to the identified areas following the intelligence.

He said the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding terrain on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their victims.

“However, troops immediately secured the area and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims, bringing them out of harm’s way,” he said.

Zubaru revealed that a vehicle linked to the criminal operation was also recovered during the operation.

The information added that the recovered vehicle was subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further necessary action.

The OPWS spokesman commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and swift response, which resulted in the safe recovery of the victims.

He appreciated the police and local vigilantes for their cooperation and support during the operation.

Zubairu, however, urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

He said such cooperation was necessary to enhance the safety and security of communities, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility. (NAN)

The Police Command in Ondo State said it has rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested three suspects at Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

Abayomi Jimoh, command’s Spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said the command also recovered N1.

5 million, which was suspected to be payment of ransom.

According to Jimoh, the breakthrough was recorded on Sept.

11 following credible intelligence that a group of suspected kidnappers are hiding in the thick forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis to collect ransom.

 “Acting on the intelligence, operatives of Isua division, in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) and Agbe-Koya, embarked on a coordinated rescue and ambush operation deep inside the forest.

 “The security operatives strategically positioned themselves along the suspected route and maintained surveillance for several hours.

 “At about 2330 hours, the suspected kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest.

 “On sighting the security operatives, they opened fire, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.

 “During the encounter, the security operatives recovered the sum of N1.5 million suspected to have been brought for ransom payment,” he said.

The command’s spokesperson, however, said the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and escaped into the thick forest.

He also said police personnel sustained follow-up operations and credible intelligence, which led to sighting the kidnappers on Sept. 13 at about 2030 hours along Idoani Road.

 “Operatives immediately mobilised to the area, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, while two of them sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.

 “The arrested suspects are: Abdullahi Abubakar, male, Ibrahim Abubakar, male, and Oseni Abubakar, male, all residents of Akunnu area.

 “The two rescued victims subsequently came to the police station and positively identified the arrested suspects as their abductors,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, said the Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police had also been identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation.

The spokesperson said the command would continue to deny criminal elements access to forests and other hideouts within the state, and sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements. (NAN)

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa has charged personnel of the Ministry to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and proactive in mitigating safety risks.

Speaking during a Town Hall meeting with staff at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, Gen.

Musa emphasised that civilian personnel play a vital role in the national security architecture. He urged staff to report suspicious activities promptly by adopting the mantra, “See something, say something,” while maintaining situational awareness regarding personal movements.

The maiden engagement with the Minister was established to build direct communication between leadership and staff, identify operational gaps, and address pressing workforce concerns.

Expressing gratitude for the personnel’s dedication, General Musa reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, whom he described as the engine room of government.

The Minister highlighted the necessity of strengthening civil-military cooperation, calling for unity, teamwork, and mutual respect between civilian employees and the Armed Forces. He announced plans for structured engagement programs to foster symbiotic working relationships across the ministry’s civilian and military cadres.

In her remarks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Bosede Olaniyi, commended the Minister for convening the session. She noted that the initiative reinforces open communication, discipline, and collective responsibility in executing the ministry’s mandate to safeguard national sovereignty.

Presenting staff concerns, Dahiru Goronyo, President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, highlighted key issues affecting personnel welfare.

 These included delays in third-party remittance deductions, transportation challenges, training opportunities, promotion matters, and entitlement arrears. The Minister and his management team addressed the issues raised, reassuring staff of prompt resolution.

Concluding the event, the Director of Human Resources, Idris Gaya expressed appreciation to the Minister for his accessible leadership and clear strategic direction, pledging the workforce’s renewed loyalty and dedication to the administration’s goals.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Media Adviser, Leah Katung Babatunde on Tuesday, the Town Hall was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff across all cadres, and representatives of the media.