SAA event in Nigeria on Fri 13th March 2026

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE: INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATION FREES FIVE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN KATSINA-ALA AS TROOPS RECOVER SIX PISTOLS AND AMMUNITION IN SEPARATE RAID

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have maintained a strong determination in the pursuit of its mandate to restore peace and security in its Joint Operations Area. Troops have sustained pressure against criminal elements by denying them freedom of action through offensive actions that led to the release of 5 kidnap victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims were released when it was apparent troops had closed in on the kidnappers leaving no room for them to manoeuvre. 
The victims were identified as Babaji Muhammad, aged 40, who had spent ten days in captivity after being abducted along Chede Takun Road; Sunday Yamusa, 45 years, who had been held for one month and two weeks together with Annumba Obunde, 40 years and Babangida Ibbi, 41 years all abducted along Tor Donga Road while Doofan Ahula, 54 years was abducted along Chede - Takun Road and held for one month and two days.

In a related development on 13 March 2026, troops acting on further intelligence report about bandits’ activities at Mtam Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA, conducted a rapid response operation to the area. However, the criminals fled having been tipped off by informants before the arrival of troops. The troops however conducted exploitation of the area and recovered several items including a pair of green camouflage, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, two motorcycles and several charms abandoned by the criminals.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their doggedness and professionalism during the operations. He urged them to sustain the operational momentum in order to decisively deal with criminal elements threatening peace in the region. Major General Gara also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible intelligence and encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

AHAMD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU 
Lieutenant 
Acting Media Information Officer 
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE 
13 MARCH 2026.