Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued two officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, who were kidnapped at Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, on 26 September, 2025.
This was contained in a statement by OPWS, Spokesperson, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
Zubairu stated the troops took the action after gathering credible and actionable intelligence regarding the abduction of officers David Iorwuese James and Orasuur Oliver. They were kidnapped by armed abductors and held hostage in Tse Tembe and Adamawa Villages, in Azendeshi ward of Ukum LGA.
The officers had called for help, that was immediately responded to by troops, which coordinated a search and rescue mission. Subsequently, upon arriving at Adamawa Village, the armed abductors fled their hostages and took off. The officers were then safely evacuated.
The two immigration officers were subsequently taken into military custody and will be medically examined and debriefed to explain the details of their hostage situation..
Force Commander OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, lauded the troops for their diligence and prompt action in returning the officers safely.
Major General Gara stated that the peaceful return of the captive, as well as the successful execution, reflect the military’s ability to respond quickly to solicited calls of distress and the military’s commitment to preserving lives.
He urged community members to continue providing security agencies concrete and timely information, and concluded that the proactive cooperation of communities and security forces prevented further kidnappings and restored peace and stability in the region.
The return of captive immigrants demonstrates the merit that the continued unification of credible intelligence and rapid military action can have in rectifying insecurity throughout the state.
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