SAA event in Nigeria on Mon 13th July 2026

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Victims in Benue 

By Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued three abducted victims following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on July 13 when troops stationed at the SAI Outpost responded swiftly to reports of an ongoing kidnapping at Sai community.

The sources said the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, the suspected terrorists abandoned the three kidnapped victims and fled into the surrounding area.

The rescued victims were subsequently released and reunited with their families after preliminary profiling.

The military has continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects as Operation Whirl Stroke sustains offensive operations against criminal elements across Benue State.