Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Mukaila Iliyasu, and recovered N200,000 cash during a joint security operation in Nasarawa State
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on 31 October 2026.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested the suspect at Akwaba, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
The Army disclosed that the suspect threatened to abduct a female resident if she fails to pay N200,000 ransom.
On October 29, 2026, a soldier, acting in disguise, delivered the money to the suspect, leading to his arrest while receiving the alleged ransom.
“Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a suspected kidnapper during a joint intelligence-led operation, recovering N200,000 allegedly demanded as ransom from a victim,” the statement read
“On 29 October 2026, DSS operatives alerted troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE to an incident involving an adult female resident, who was allegedly threatened by one Mukaila Iliyasu.
“The suspect reportedly demanded N200,000 from the victim, threatening to abduct her if she failed to meet his demand.
“Following the report, troops and DSS operatives promptly coordinated an anti-kidnapping operation to apprehend the suspect.
“In a well-coordinated sting operation, a soldier, acting in disguise and displaying exceptional gallantry, delivered the money to the suspect, leading to his arrest while receiving the alleged ransom.
“The suspect was subsequently handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The operation was successfully conducted with precision and professionalism.”
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops and DSS operatives for their professionalism, gallantry and effective inter-agency collaboration.
He urged them to sustain the existing intelligence-sharing framework and operational synergy towards tackling kidnapping and other security threats within the Joint Operations Area.
