Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued two kidnapped bankers during a security operation in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF operation WHIRL STROKE, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, 7 March 2026, said the victims, both staff members of Unity Bank, Benue State, were abducted a few days ago.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) successfully rescued two kidnap victims following an intelligence-led search and rescue operation conducted in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee,” the statement read.
“The operation was launched in the early hours of 6 March 2026 following credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorist and their victims within the general area.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorist and safely recovering the victims.
“During the operation, troops thoroughly searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found nothing unusual.
“However, further intelligence obtained indicated that the kidnappers and their victims were still trapped within the general area.
“In response to the new development, additional troops led by the Sub-Sector Commander were deployed to reinforce the search operation and intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
“The troops subsequently extended the search to surrounding settlements including Tse Anaka.
“A sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced the terrorist to abandon their captives and flee the area.
“The rescued victims were later identified as Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank from Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“No direct contact was made with the fleeing terrorist during the operation.
“However, troops recovered a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the terrorist along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.
“The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.
“He noted that the success of the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating kidnapping and other terrorist activities within the Joint Operations Area.
“Major General Gara further reassured residents of Taraba and neighbouring states of the Joint Task Force continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
“He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in dismantling criminal networks operating within the region.”
