December 04, (THEWILL) – Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed from Zaki-Biam in Ukum local government area of Benue state, acting on credible human intelligence on the activities of kidnappers, on 2nd December, 2022, swiftly mobilised and moved to the kidnap scene and arrested two notorious suspects, Daniel Kperai and Kanyitor Chiangi.
The two suspected criminals, who were known to have specialised in kidnapping locals for ransom, are currently undergoing investigation after which they would be handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
The Public Relations Officer of OPWS, Flight Lt Audu Hussaini Katty, who made the confirmation, added that the troops also, while on routine patrol along Makurdi – Lafia road, foiled armed robbery incident and rescued one Mr Samuel Ishaya, who was attacked by the the armed robbers while plying the road on 2nd December, 2022, at about 7:45 pm.
According to him, the armed robbers, on sighting the troops, abandoned the victim and fled into the bush, as troops are currently exploiting the bush for possible arrest of the perpetrators.
In related development, troops have rescued 2 kidnapped victims from their abductors. The victims — Mr Gunda Hemenga and Sunday Saaty, were abducted and taken to the bush on 3rd December, 2022, along Rafin Kada-Kado of Bom village in Wukari local government area of Taraba State.
Flight Lt Katty, stated that troops trailed the kidnappers route out with hot pursuit, forcing them to abandon their victims; saying the victims have since been reunited with their families.
He assured that Operation WHIRL Stroke will not relent in carrying out it’s assigned national tasks and will continue to ensure innocent citizens go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from criminals.
Efforts to get reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Police Command, Superintendent of Police, Sewuese Anene, proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.